What is bone augmentation?

Bone augmentation is a dental surgical procedure that supplements or restores bone tissue in the jaw. It is performed when the bone is too narrow, too low or insufficient in volume for the insertion of a dental implant.

When is bone augmentation performed?

• After long-term tooth loss (the bone in that area gradually absorbs).
• After injury or disease.
• If the bone is narrow or not very high from the outset.

How is bone augmentation performed?

• The surgeon replaces the missing bone with the patient's own bone or special bone material.
• The material is covered with a membrane and left to heal for several months.
• After healing, the site is ready for implant placement.

Sinus lift (raising the floor of the maxillary sinus)

A sinus lift is a special type of augmentation performed in the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars.

Why is a sinus lift necessary and how is it performed? The maxillary sinus is located in the jaw area and may be low. When a tooth is lost, the bone under the sinus cavity thins and there is not enough space for a dental implant. The surgeon gently lifts the floor of the sinus cavity and fills the resulting space with bone material. After healing (usually around 3 months), the implant can be inserted.

Bone augmentation and sinus lift are common procedures in implantology and are performed under local anaesthesia. Thanks to them, it is possible to successfully insert an implant even where it would otherwise not be possible.

Augmentation and sinus lift are not complications, but preparations that ensure that the implant will hold firmly and last for many years.