Bone Grafting & Sinus Lift
Why Is This Service So Important?
This natural bone loss creates a challenging situation for dental implants, which require adequate bone volume for successful placement and long-term stability.
At Prostho Cosmetic Dentistry, our specialized bone grafting and sinus lift procedures effectively reverse this bone loss, rebuilding your jaw's foundation to support dental implants with predictable, long-lasting results.
Using the latest regenerative materials and precise surgical techniques, Dr. Shin can restore lost bone volume, widening narrow ridges and increasing height where needed to accommodate implants of the ideal length and diameter.
For upper jaw implants, where the maxillary sinuses often limit available bone height, our gentle sinus lift procedure creates additional space by carefully elevating the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material below it.
This specialized technique enables implant placement in areas that would otherwise lack sufficient bone support. With Dr. Shin's prosthodontic expertise guiding your treatment from start to finish, you can feel confident that every procedure is performed with your final restoration in mind.
Ready to learn if bone grafting can make dental implants possible for you?
Schedule your consultation today.
At Prostho Cosmetic Dentistry, our approach to bone grafting and sinus lifts combines advanced surgical techniques with comprehensive treatment planning that prioritizes your long-term oral health.
Unlike practices that perform these procedures in isolation, Dr. Shin's specialized prosthodontic training allows him to visualize your final restoration before any surgical intervention, ensuring each grafting procedure is precisely tailored to support your specific implant needs.
Our precision methodology incorporates detailed 3D imaging to map existing bone architecture and create custom surgical guides that maximize predictability while minimizing invasiveness. We further distinguish our service through our material selection, utilizing the latest biocompatible grafting materials that promote faster healing and superior integration with your natural bone.
For sinus lifts, we employ specialized piezoelectric instruments that selectively cut bone while preserving the delicate sinus membrane, significantly reducing complication risks.
This technology-driven approach, combined with our meticulous surgical execution, creates optimal conditions for successful implant placement even in challenging cases, enabling patients who were previously told they “don't have enough bone” to enjoy the benefits of secure, permanent implant restorations.
Benefits of Bone Grafting & Sinus Lift Procedures
- Preserves Bone Volume
- Ensures Adequate Bone Structure
- Restore Ridge Height or Width in Preparation For Future Dental Work
- Helps Maintain Facial Aesthetics and Prevent Premature Aging Appearance
What to Expect During Your Bone Grafting or Sinus Lift Procedure
Your Prostho Endo Experience: 3 Simple Steps
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation:
- Complete dental and medical evaluation
- Cone Beam CT scan (CBCT) to precisely measure bone height, density, and sinus position
- Development of a personalized treatment plan (including graft type, timing, anesthesia options)
- Discussion of future implant placement or restorative goals
- Review of pre-operative and post-operative care instructions
Depending on your specific needs, we may recommend one of several approaches:
Depending on your specific needs, we may recommend one of several approaches:
Socket Preservation
- Bone graft material placed immediately following tooth extraction
- Prevents the natural bone loss that occurs after extraction
- Maintains the socket shape for future restoration
- Often the simplest and most proactive grafting procedure
Ridge Augmentation
- Rebuilds areas where bone has thinned or resorbed
- Restores the natural contour of the gums and jaw
- Creates adequate width and height for implant placement
- Improves both functional and aesthetic outcomes
Sinus Lift
- Adds height to the upper jaw in the molar and premolar areas
- Creates space between the sinus floor and oral cavity
- Enables implant placement in the upper back jaw
- May be performed using either a lateral or crestal approach
Onlay or Block Grafts
- Used for more significant bone reconstruction
- Addresses severe bone loss cases
- May involve larger sections of graft material
- Typically used in complex reconstruction cases
We utilize only premium quality materials, selected based on your specific needs:
- Autografts: Your own bone (typically harvested from another area)
- Allografts: Carefully processed donor bone from tissue banks
- Xenografts: Specially processed bone material from bovine or porcine sources
- Alloplasts: Advanced synthetic bone substitute materials
All materials are biocompatible, sterile, and selected based on your unique anatomy and treatment goals.
Most procedures are performed comfortably under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for your complete comfort.
Bone grafts require time to fully integrate with your existing bone structure. This process, called osseointegration, typically takes 3–6 months, depending on:
- The specific grafting procedure performed
- The location and volume of the graft
- Your body's natural healing capacity
- Your overall health status
During this healing period:
- The graft material gradually incorporates into your natural bone structure
- Our team monitors your healing through follow-up appointments
- We may take periodic images to assess integration progress
- Once integration is complete, we can proceed with implant placement (if planned)
Are you ready to experience premium dental care that transforms your life? Many patients tell us they wish they hadn't waited so long to visit us! Schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for these procedures, especially when medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits and help maximize your coverage. Here are some common procedure codes you can reference when checking with your insurance provider:
| CDT Code | Description |
| D7953 | Bone replacement graft for ridge preservation |
| D7951 | Sinus augmentation with bone graft |
| D7950 | Ridge augmentation in edentulous areas |
| D6010 | Implant placement (related procedures) |
| D0367 (varies by scan type) | Cone Beam CT scan |
| D6199 | Unspecified implant service (for custom grafting cases) |
When speaking with your insurance representative, you might ask:
“Can you confirm if my plan covers procedure code D7951 for sinus lifts or D7953 for bone grafting following tooth extraction?”
One Week Before Surgery:
- Fill any prescriptions provided by our office
- Arrange transportation if sedation will be used
- Stock up on recommended soft foods and cold compresses
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco products, and certain medications as directed
- Inform us of any medications or supplements you're currently taking
The Day Before Surgery:
- Get adequate rest to prepare your body for healing
- No food or drink after midnight if sedation is planned
- Brush gently and avoid flossing near the planned surgical area
- Wear comfortable clothing with a zippered top
- Remove jewelry, contact lenses, and dentures before your appointment
Recovery Timeline:
- Initial swelling and mild discomfort: 2–5 days
- Return to normal activities: 3–7 days
- Complete bone integration: 3–6 months (varies by procedure)
Common Post-Procedure Experiences:
- Moderate swelling and possible bruising around the face or under the eyes
- Minor bleeding or pink-tinged saliva for up to 24 hours
- Temporary sinus pressure or congestion (with sinus lifts)
- Gradual improvement over the first week
- Physical recovery within days, though bone healing continues for months
Essential Aftercare Instructions:
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments—they're crucial for monitoring your healing
- Use prescribed antimicrobial rinses or saltwater solutions as directed
- Brush gently—avoiding the surgical site until instructed otherwise
- Maintain a soft food diet (soups, yogurt, smoothies, eggs, pasta)
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed
- Apply ice packs as recommended to minimize swelling
- Avoid blowing your nose forcefully after sinus lift procedures (10–14 days)
This determination requires professional evaluation with 3D imaging. After your CBCT scan, we'll assess your bone volume, density, sinus position, and treatment goals to determine if grafting is necessary. We'll explain everything we see and why specific procedures may be recommended.
Simultaneous implant placement is possible in some cases, particularly with minor grafts or socket preservation. However, for more substantial procedures like sinus lifts or ridge augmentation, we typically complete the grafting first, allow for healing, and then place implants in a separate procedure.
While complications are uncommon, all surgical procedures carry some risk. Potential concerns include infection, incomplete graft integration, or sinus membrane irritation (with sinus lifts). We minimize these risks through careful planning, sterile technique, premium materials, and comprehensive post-operative care.
That's absolutely fine, bone grafting still offers significant benefits by preserving your options for the future. It maintains jawbone health, preserves facial structure, and prevents bone collapse around extraction sites. Even without immediate implant plans, grafting protects your long-term oral health.
Dental implants require sufficient bone volume to provide stable, long-term support, but bone loss begins immediately after tooth extraction.
This resorption process accelerates when teeth have been missing for extended periods, leaving inadequate bone for proper implant placement. At Prostho Cosmetic Dentistry, our bone grafting procedures effectively rebuild this lost structure, restoring proper dimensions for ideal implant positioning. Beyond just making implants possible, appropriate bone grafting ensures optimal implant placement for better aesthetics, function, and longevity.
The grafting procedure also helps preserve facial structure by preventing the collapsed appearance that can occur with continued bone loss. During your consultation, our 3D imaging technology will provide a precise assessment of your current bone volume, allowing us to determine exactly what type of grafting might be necessary for your specific situation.
Wondering if you have adequate bone for implants? Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation with our advanced 3D imaging technology.
At Prostho Cosmetic Dentistry, we use several types of bone grafting materials, each selected based on your specific clinical situation. These include autografts (bone harvested from your own body, typically from the chin or back of the jaw), allografts (carefully processed donor bone from a tissue bank), xenografts (specially treated bovine bone that closely resembles human bone structure), and synthetic materials (biocompatible ceramics designed to support bone regeneration).
All materials undergo rigorous processing and sterilization following strict FDA regulations to ensure safety. These materials serve as scaffolds that your body gradually replaces with your own natural bone through a process called osteoinduction. Dr. Shin often combines these materials with growth factors and specialized membranes to enhance regeneration and healing.
The science behind bone grafting has advanced significantly, with decades of research supporting both the safety and effectiveness of these materials.
During your consultation, we'll discuss which specific material is best suited for your individual case and address any concerns you might have about the grafting process.
At Prostho Cosmetic Dentistry, patient comfort is our priority during bone grafting and sinus lift procedures. The procedures themselves are performed under appropriate local anesthesia and optional sedation, ensuring you feel no pain during treatment.
Most patients report that the experience is surprisingly comfortable—often less painful than tooth extraction. Post-procedure discomfort is typically mild to moderate and effectively managed with prescribed medications. The majority of patients return to normal activities within a couple of day, though swelling may peak around the second day before gradually subsiding.
Our meticulous surgical technique minimizes tissue trauma, while our post-operative protocol including anti-inflammatory medications and specialized products like StellaLife gel significantly enhances comfort during recovery. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain readily available to address any concerns during your healing process.
Many patients tell us they were surprised by how comfortable the experience was compared to their expectations. Still concerned about potential discomfort?
Contact us to discuss your specific concerns and learn about our comfort-focused approach to surgical procedures
At Prostho Dental, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care—whether you have insurance or not. That’s why we created our in-house Prostho Dental Membership Plan—a smart, affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance.
If you’re among the millions of Americans without dental coverage, you’re not alone. Traditional insurance plans often come with annual caps, long waiting periods, deductibles, and confusing claims. We wanted to change that.
Our membership plan is designed to give you peace of mind and real value—with no hidden fees, no annual maximums, no waiting periods, and no pre-approvals.
From day one, you’ll get access to:
- Routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays
- Emergency exams and fluoride treatments (varies by plan)
- Exclusive savings on procedures completed at our practice
- Immediate benefits—no deductibles or claims
- Flexible options for children, adults, and periodontal care
Whether it's for you or your whole family, our membership makes dental care more affordable, predictable, and stress-free.
We’re proud to serve our Maryland and Virginia communities and invite you to experience the personalized care we’re known for at Prostho Dental.
Download our Essential Smile Membership Plan printable flyer to learn more, sign up at our front desk, or just point your phone camera at the QR code.
Prostho Endo Provides
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At Prostho Endo Dental Group, your well-being and dental experience are our top priorities
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5904 Hubbard Drive,
North Bethesda, MD 20852
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