Bone & Sinus Grafting

Following a tooth extraction or loss of a tooth, the jawbone will lose up to 60% of its volume in the first six months. Without stimulation of the bone from a tooth or dental implant, the atrophy (shrinkage) of bone will progress indefinitely.
Ridge augmentation is a surgical method, including several different techniques, used to restore the natural volume of jawbone to allow the placement of dental implants.
Prior to performing ridge augmentation, Dr. Rasmussen will conduct a detailed medical, clinical and radiographic evaluation. A 3D come beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan will be taken to assess the localized anatomy and extent / severity of the bone defect. This will dictate which technique and graft option Dr. Rasmussen will recommend. He will always choose the most minimally invasive option available that will predictably achieve the ideal result.
During a ridge augmentation procedure, Dr. Rasmussen will place grafting material and membrane between the bone defect and surrounding gum tissue. In many cases, growth factors and bioactive modifiers can be used as well. Upon full healing and maturation of the graft, the jawbone will have enough volume and density to support dental implants.

The two 3D images to the right are examples of advanced and complex ridge augmentation. In the top image, the purple line illustrates the increase in horizontal bone width necessary for proper implant placement.

In the bottom image, the yellow line shows the large increase in vertical bone height achieved to be able to place an implant in the posterior mandible.

A sinus augmentation (sinus lift) is necessary when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw to support dental implants. Anatomically, there are air-filled cavities called maxillary sinuses located above the posterior teeth in the upper jaw. Due to genetics and sometimes a natural process called pneumatization, patients that have lost their upper posterior teeth do not have adequate bone for the anchorage of dental implants.
In instances where a smaller increase in bone height is needed, a minimally invasive procedure called a crestal (internal) sinus lift can be performed at the time of implant placement. If a larger increase in volume and height of bone is necessary, a lateral window sinus augmentation approach will be indicated. In most cases, an implant can be placed at the same time of the sinus augmentation.
Prior to performing a sinus lift procedure, Dr. Rasmussen will conduct a thorough medical, clinical and radiographic evaluation. A 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan will be taken so that Dr. Rasmussen can assess the health and anatomy of the sinus(es).
During a sinus augmentation procedure Dr. Rasmussen will make a small incision in the gums, which will allow him to make a small opening (window) in the bone to access the sinus membrane. The membrane is gently lifted using special instrumentation and the bone graft is placed in the opened space, after which the area is sutured closed.
Although the sinus augmentation procedure is very predictable and comfortable to undergo, it should only be performed by a highly skilled surgeon with advanced training such as Dr. Rasmussen.