Sinus Lift Upper West Side

Are you missing teeth in your upper jaw and considering dental implants? Have you been told you don’t have enough bone for successful implant placement? At Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, we offer advanced bone augmentation and sinus lift procedures to create the foundation needed for successful dental implants, even when bone loss has occurred.

We prioritize our patient’s natural teeth and bone structures – for a lifetime of healthy smiles. When tooth loss occurs, our bone augmentation and sinus lift procedures can help restore what’s been lost, allowing for the successful placement of dental implants that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

What Is Bone Augmentation?

Bone augmentation is a specialized dental procedure that rebuilds or increases the volume of bone in your jaw. When teeth are lost or extracted, the surrounding bone gradually resorbs or diminishes over time. This bone loss can make it difficult or impossible to place dental implants, which require adequate bone volume and density for successful integration and long-term stability.

During bone augmentation, various grafting materials are strategically placed in areas of bone loss to stimulate your body’s natural regenerative abilities. Over time, this grafting material serves as a scaffold for new bone growth, ultimately creating a stronger, more stable foundation for dental implants.

At Dental West NYC, we utilize our advanced PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser – the only FDA-approved device to regrow bone – to enhance the bone regeneration process, providing superior results with less discomfort and faster healing.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a specialized type of bone augmentation procedure specifically designed for the upper jaw. The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located above your upper back teeth. In some cases, these sinuses may be too close to the jaw or the bone height in the upper jaw may be insufficient for dental implant placement.

During a sinus lift procedure, the sinus membrane is carefully lifted upward, and bone grafting material is placed between your jaw and the sinus, creating additional bone height in the upper jaw. This new bone provides the necessary foundation for dental implants in the back of the upper jaw, an area that often presents challenges due to natural anatomical limitations and bone loss.

When Are Bone Augmentation and Sinus Lift Necessary?

You may benefit from bone augmentation or a sinus lift if:

• You have experienced bone loss due to missing teeth
• You have insufficient bone height or width for dental implant placement
• Your maxillary sinuses are too close to the jaw for safe implant placement
• You have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease
• You need to replace failing dental work with implants
• You have natural anatomical limitations in your upper jaw

During your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Leora Walter, our surgically trained prosthodontist, or Dr. Michelle Kamel, our periodontal specialist, will evaluate your unique situation using digital imaging to determine if bone augmentation or a sinus lift is the right solution for your specific needs. We take x-rays only when necessary – typically every 2-2.5 years rather than annually – and we’re happy to use your existing x-rays if you can provide them.

Types of Bone Grafting Materials

At Dental West NYC, we offer several types of bone grafting materials, each selected based on your specific needs:

• Autogenous Bone: Bone harvested from another area of your own body, typically from within the mouth, which provides excellent biocompatibility
• Allograft: Processed bone from a human donor source, which eliminates the need for a second surgical site
• Xenograft: Specially processed bone from an animal source, typically bovine, which has been proven safe and effective
• Alloplast: Synthetic bone substitute materials that provide a scaffold for new bone growth

We carefully select the most appropriate grafting material for your specific situation, considering factors such as the amount of bone needed, your overall health, and your personal preferences.

The Bone Augmentation/Sinus Lift Procedure at Dental West NYC

At Dental West NYC, your comfort and care are our priorities throughout your bone augmentation or sinus lift procedure. Here’s what you can expect:

Before the Procedure

We’ll conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including digital imaging to assess your bone structure and sinus anatomy. Dr. Walter or Dr. Kamel will discuss your treatment goals and develop a personalized plan for your procedure.

During the Procedure

Your bone augmentation or sinus lift procedure at our Upper West Side office typically takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case:

1. We’ll administer a local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Sedation options are also available for patients with dental anxiety.
2. For a sinus lift, a small incision is made in your gum tissue to access the bone. A small window is created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is carefully lifted upward.
3. The grafting material is precisely placed in the area where bone is needed. For a sinus lift, this is between the existing bone and the lifted sinus membrane.
4. In many cases, we’ll use our advanced PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser to enhance bone regeneration and promote faster healing.
5. A protective membrane may be placed over the graft to guide bone regeneration and prevent unwanted tissue growth in the area.
6. The gum tissue is then repositioned and secured with sutures.

In some cases, dental implants can be placed during the same procedure. In other situations, a healing period of 4-9 months may be necessary before implant placement to allow the new bone to develop and mature.

After the Procedure

Following your bone augmentation or sinus lift procedure, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing:

• Temporary diet modifications to soft foods
• Gentle oral hygiene practices around the treated area
• Antimicrobial mouth rinses if prescribed
• Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (most patients experience only mild discomfort)
• For sinus lifts, avoiding blowing your nose, sneezing forcefully, or drinking through straws for 2-3 weeks

Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two, though complete healing and bone integration may take several months. We’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and determine when you’re ready for the next phase of your treatment plan, such as dental implant placement.

Benefits of Bone Augmentation/Sinus Lift at Dental West NYC

When performed by our experienced dental team, bone augmentation and sinus lift procedures offer numerous benefits:

• Creates a strong foundation for dental implants
• Allows for implant placement in areas with previous bone loss
• Improves the long-term success rate of dental implants
• Preserves facial structure and aesthetics
• Restores proper function for chewing and speaking
• Enhances overall oral health

Why Choose Dental West NYC for Your Bone Augmentation/Sinus Lift

Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology. Our team includes Dr. Leora Walter, a surgically trained prosthodontist, and Dr. Michelle Kamel, who graduated with honors in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry and received extensive post-doctorate training in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.

We take pride in our patient-centered approach, taking time to thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime while providing exceptional solutions when restoration is necessary.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re considering dental implants but have been told you have insufficient bone, Dental West NYC offers the expertise and technology to achieve outstanding results with bone augmentation and sinus lift procedures. Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online to schedule a consultation. We offer free fluoride treatments during cleanings and use our advanced technology to provide you with the best possible care.