Think of the sinus wall (or rear maxilla) as the roof of your upper jaw. If this sinus wall is too thin then it is impossible to insert a dental implant as there is no solid foundation to hold it in place. The maxillary jaw (upper) will need to be built up via a bone graft in order to retain an implant.
Previously, if you had advanced bone loss then your only option was dentures but thanks to new grafting techniques, implants are now an option. The dentist can bulk out the sinus wall by lifting the sinus membrane and then grafting donor bone onto the sinus wall.
This will increase the depth and width of the sinus wall in preparation for the implants. The sinus wall will be given time to heal (osseointegration) before a second procedure insertion of the implants.
This graft can be performed as an autogenous graft.
Dr Nick Fahey
Woodborough House Dental Practice
21 Reading Road, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 7LR
Web: www.woodboroughhouse.com Tel: Tel: 0118 984 3108
Harley Street Dental Studio
42 Harley Street, London W1G 9PR
Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.comTel: 020 7636 5981