SINUS-LIFT GRAFT - USING THE MAXILLARY SINUSES TO SUPPORT IMPLANTS

Often, the posterior region of the maxilla lacks the alveolar bone nec essary to maintain an implant-supported prosthesis. The authors outlin e a procedure to augment the maxillary ridge using a composite allopla stic bone graft. The procedure also enables the practitioner to place implants at the time of the graft, reducing the surgical and healing t ime for the patient. Within six to 12 months of the bone graft, the pa tient can wear a fixed, implant-supported prosthesis. The authors repo rt that patients who have been treated with this procedure have mainta ined stable implant prostheses for over five years.