Bone grafts and sinus lifts in Beylikdüzü: not enough bone — can I still have an implant?
When a tooth has been missing for a long time, the jawbone gradually becomes thinner and shorter. Even with too little bone, an implant is often still possible; but adding bone graft material before or during the implant visit, or raising the sinus floor in the upper jaw (a sinus lift), may be needed. A dental CT shows which.
Why does bone shrink?
- After an extraction there is no root to stimulate the bone; noticeable loss of bone width can happen in the first months.
- Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) destroys the bone around teeth.
- Removable dentures worn for years press on the bone underneath.
- When upper back teeth are lost, the sinus can expand downwards.
So if you're considering an implant after an extraction, it helps not to wait too long, or to preserve the socket with graft material at the time of extraction.
Bone grafts, sinus lifts and other techniques
| Technique | When? | Healing |
|---|---|---|
| Socket preservation | Right after extraction, with a future implant in mind | About 3–4 months |
| Bone graft at the implant visit | Small bone defects | As long as the implant takes to bond |
| Closed (crestal) sinus lift | Moderately reduced bone height in the upper back jaw | Usually in the same visit as the implant |
| Open (lateral) sinus lift | Very little bone height | Often 4–9 months |
| Block graft or ridge expansion | Large, advanced bone loss | Several months |
Graft material can be synthetic, animal-derived (usually bovine) or human-derived. The choice depends on the size of the defect. We explain the techniques in detail in bone graft and sinus lift.
After a sinus lift
- Don't blow your nose hard for the first two weeks; sneeze with your mouth open.
- Don't drink through a straw, and don't smoke.
- Ask your dentist before flying, diving or heavy exercise.
- Take prescribed medication as directed.
- A little nosebleed can happen in the first days; call the clinic if it gets worse.
Assessment at Dent32 in Beylikdüzü
At Dent32 we assess the bone with a CT scan and explain in a written plan whether grafting is needed and how much longer treatment will take. For the whole implant process, see dental implants in Beylikdüzü.
To book, call +90 555 011 33 68 or use the contact page. Dent32 dental clinic in Beylikdüzü: Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
Can the body reject bone graft material?
Graft materials are processed and biocompatible; over time they are replaced by or fuse with the patient's own bone. Infection and smoking can affect success.
Is a sinus lift painful?
It's done under local anaesthetic. There may be swelling and tenderness for a few days afterwards, usually controlled with painkillers.
When is the implant placed after a bone graft?
With small grafts, in the same visit; with large grafts, usually 4–9 months later. A follow-up CT decides the exact timing.
