The back area of the upper jaw is in close proximity to the Maxillary sinuses. These are large empty areas in the upper jaw. The dentist will usually take a panoramic X-ray to view these areas.
If there is enough bone height between the outer limit of the bone and where the sinus starts, a dental implant or implants can be placed in this area using standard methodology.
If the teeth have been missing for a long time, the sinus may expand and destroy bone in the area. This makes it difficult or impossible to place dental implants. When a tooth is removed in the upper back area, the ridge begins to atrophy, as do other areas of the mouth. Additionally, the sinus expands and can destroy even more bone, as shown below.
There are various ways to graft the sinus and make the area ready for dental implant placement. One of the most common techniques is the "lateral window technique". This involves raising the gum tissue, then making a window in the side of the sinus cavity and grafting it with the patient’s own bone, or a bone substitute (see grafting materials for types of bone substitutes). It can take anywhere from 7 months to over 1 year before the implants can be placed in the grafted area.
In a Sinus lift procedure, a window is made on the side of the ridge, the area is prepared, and bone is placed in the sinuses to the desired amount. The window is closed, and the soft tissues are returned to their original position.
In this method, a small hole is made in the bone and a balloon filled with liquid is used to lift the membrane and create the space. The space is then filled with the patient's own bone or a bone substitute and allowed to heal before placement of dental implants.
The above two methods are the most common ways that a Maxillary Sinus Graft is done. There are other methods, and your 1888implant dentist can tell you what will be the best option in your particular situation. Find a dentist in your area