implant maintenance is the ongoing professional and at-home care used to keep dental implants and implant-supported teeth clean and healthy. It commonly includes monitoring the tissues around implants and removing plaque and calculus (hardened deposits). It is used after implant placement and after the final crown, bridge, or denture is attached. It is also used to help manage early inflammation around implants when detected.

peri-implant probing is a clinical check where a dental professional gently measures the depth of the gum crevice around a dental implant. It helps assess the health of the soft tissues (gums and supporting mucosa) near the implant. It is commonly used during implant maintenance visits and when inflammation is suspected. The measurements are recorded over time to monitor change, not just a single snapshot.

A crestal sinus lift is a dental procedure that increases bone height under the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw. It is performed through the crest of the alveolar ridge (the top of the jawbone where teeth sit). It is commonly used to support dental implant placement in the back (posterior) upper jaw. The goal is to create enough space and support for an implant when natural bone height is limited.

A lateral window sinus lift is a surgical procedure used to increase bone height in the upper back jaw (posterior maxilla). It involves creating a small “window” on the side of the upper jawbone to access the maxillary sinus. The sinus lining is gently lifted upward, and a bone graft material is placed underneath to create space for new bone formation. It is commonly used to support dental implants where natural bone is limited below the sinus.

sinus augmentation is a dental bone-grafting procedure performed in the upper jaw (maxilla) near the molars and premolars. It increases bone height and/or volume below the maxillary sinus so dental implants can be placed more predictably. It is commonly used when natural bone is thin due to tooth loss, anatomy, or sinus size. You may also hear it called a “sinus lift,” although techniques vary.

sinus lift (perio/implant) is a surgical bone-grafting procedure used in the upper jaw (maxilla) near the back teeth. It increases bone height beneath the maxillary sinus so dental implants can be placed more predictably. In simple terms, it creates more “bone support” where the sinus space limits implant length. It is commonly used before or during implant treatment in the upper premolar and molar areas.

ridge expansion is a surgical technique used to widen a narrow jawbone ridge (the bony “crest” that holds teeth). It is most commonly discussed in implant dentistry when there is not enough bone width to place a dental implant in an ideal position. The approach aims to create space within the ridge, often by gently separating or expanding bone plates. It may be done as a staged procedure or combined with implant placement, depending on the case.

ridge split is a surgical technique used to widen a narrow jawbone ridge (the alveolar ridge) so a dental implant may fit more predictably. It involves creating a controlled split in the ridge and gently expanding it, often with instruments designed for gradual widening. It is most commonly used in implant dentistry when the bone is tall enough but too thin from side to side. Depending on the case, implants may be placed at the same visit or after a healing period.

alveolar ridge preservation is a dental procedure performed after a tooth is removed to help maintain the shape and volume of the jawbone at that site. In plain terms, it is “socket preservation” meant to reduce the normal bone shrinkage that happens after extraction. It is commonly used when an implant may be placed later, or when keeping the ridge contour supports appearance and fit of a bridge or denture. It typically involves placing a grafting material (and often a barrier membrane) into the extraction socket to support healing.

socket preservation is a dental procedure performed after a tooth is removed to help maintain the shape of the extraction socket. It aims to reduce the natural shrinkage of gum and jawbone that can happen during healing. It is commonly used when a patient may want an implant or other tooth replacement in the future. It is also used to support appearance and fit for restorations in areas where bone volume matters.