Over a period of time, the bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone and is not suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, most patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
Today, we have the ability to graft bone where needed. This allows the placement of implants with the proper length and width.
The maxillary sinuses are air spaces within the upper jaw above the roots of the upper teeth. When these upper teeth are removed, there may be only a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants require bone to hold them in place The solution can be a maxillary sinus graft. The sinus membrane is lifted upward and a bone graft is inserted. After 6 to 9 months of healing, the bone graft matures and becomes part of the jaw. Dental implants can be inserted and stabilized by this new bone.
In severe cases, the bony ridge has shrunk and a bone graft is placed to increase ridge height and/or width. This is a technique used to restore the lost bone dimension when the jaw ridge gets too thin to place conventional implants. In this procedure, the bony ridge of the jaw is literally expanded by mechanical means. Bone graft material can be placed and matured for a few months before placing the implant.