Sinus Lift Bone Graft for Upper Molar Dental Implants

The Story:

This patient was missing two of his upper left molars extracted due to failed root canal treatments with chronic infection. He did not want to have a partial denture but rather teeth supported by dental implants to give him the comfort and aesthetics he expected.

Treatment:

A diagnostic cone beam CT scan (CBCT) was done to quantify the amount of existing bone. It was noted that there is inadequate height of bone due to the sinus floor migration as well as a thin ridge.

The first stage of his treatment involved a sinus lift bone graft augmentation along with ridge grafting to increase both the height and the width of bone. Following a 6 month healing, a new CBCT was done to re-measure the bone dimensions. Adequate bony height and width was created.

Using a guided procedure, dental implants were placed in ideal position. Because of the sinus lift and ridge graft, the implant length and diameter were maximized for better stability and support. Final crowns were then placed on custom abutments. The bone and implants are stable after 8 years and continue to provide the patient with stable teeth and the aesthetics that he so desired.

Photo gallery:

This treatment was performed by Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi, oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Bethesda, MD.