Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts: Building the Foundation for Strong Implants in Riverview

Why Bone Volume Is Everything

Dental implants succeed when they’re surrounded by healthy bone. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, wear a loose denture, or had infection/trauma, your jaw may have thinned (a natural process called resorption). Bone grafting rebuilds volume so an implant can be placed precisely and predictably. For upper-back teeth, a sinus lift (sinus augmentation) can create space beneath the sinus floor for secure implant placement.

Types of Bone Grafts (And When We Use Them)

• Socket Preservation (Ridge Preservation): After an extraction, we place bone graft material directly into the socket to minimize shrinkage while you heal. This sets you up for ideal implant positioning later.
• Ridge Augmentation: When bone has already receded, we graft along the ridge to widen or heighten the site enough for an implant.
• Particulate vs. Block Grafts: Particulate grafts are tiny granules that fill a space; block grafts are solid pieces used when larger reconstruction is needed.
• Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): A barrier membrane helps protect and shape the graft as your body builds new bone.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

In the upper molar/ premolar region, the maxillary sinus often expands downward as bone resorbs, leaving insufficient height for an implant. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft beneath it, increasing vertical bone height. There are two main methods:

• Lateral Window: Used for larger lifts; a small window is created on the side of the sinus wall to place graft material.
• Crestal (Osteotome) Lift: Used for modest lifts; performed through the implant’s planned entry point.

Healing Timeline and Expectations

Grafts typically heal for 3–6 months before the implant is placed (or before the final crown if the implant was placed at the same time). During healing, you’ll follow specific instructions to protect grafts—for sinus lifts, that includes avoiding nose-blowing and heavy sneezing pressure for a short period. Most patients describe minimal discomfort and are back to normal routines quickly.

Materials: What Are We Grafting With?

• Autograft: Your own bone; biologically ideal, commonly used for block grafts.
• Allograft: Donor bone that’s processed and safe; widely used and well researched.
• Xenograft: Derived from bovine/porcine sources; excellent for space maintenance in ridge preservation and sinus lifts.
• Alloplast: Synthetic materials that support bone regeneration in select indications.
  Sometimes we combine materials to harness their strengths.

Are Grafts Safe?

Yes. Today’s grafting is evidence-based, biocompatible, and highly predictable when case selection and technique are on point. Your dentist will review your medical history, medications, and any factors that might affect healing (e.g., smoking, diabetes) and personalize your plan.

Comfort & Aftercare

• Anesthesia: Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable; sedation options are available when appropriate.
• Soreness: Expect mild pressure or tenderness for a few days; over-the-counter pain relief usually suffices.
• Hygiene: Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and rinsing per instructions.
• Diet: Softer foods initially; avoid hard/crunchy items directly over the graft until cleared.

Cost, Insurance, and Financing

Grafting fees vary with the size and complexity of the site (socket preservation vs. ridge augmentation vs. sinus lift). Some medical/dental plans offer limited coverage; we’ll help you maximize benefits and design an affordable payment plan. At Best Value Dentures & Implants – Riverview, we offer clear, competitive pricing, a Best Price Guarantee on implants, and flexible financing so you can build the right foundation now—not later.

Why Your Foundation Dictates Long-Term Success

Think of a dental implant like a fence post: the post must be surrounded by solid earth to stand for decades. Grafting and sinus augmentation ensure the “earth” is sturdy, properly shaped, and dense enough to resist everyday forces from chewing and speaking. When we invest in the foundation, we protect your result.

Considering implants but worried about bone? Start with a free 3D evaluation: (813) 568-1118, 10555 Bloomingdale Ridge Dr, Riverview, FL 33578. We’ll map your bone in minutes and outline the simplest path to a secure, long-lasting smile.