A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a bone-grafting procedure used to increase the amount of bone available in the upper back jaw. This area sits directly beneath the maxillary sinuses, air-filled spaces located on either side of the nose.
When there is not enough vertical bone to support a dental implant, the sinus membrane can be carefully elevated to create space for bone-grafting material beneath it. As the grafted area heals and matures, it can provide additional bone for implant placement.
Not everyone receiving an implant in the upper jaw requires a sinus lift. The need for treatment depends on the amount of existing bone, position of the sinus, location of the missing tooth, and planned implant.
A sinus lift may be recommended when:
Detailed imaging allows us to evaluate your anatomy and determine whether sinus augmentation is necessary before or during implant placement.
Several factors can affect the amount of bone available beneath the maxillary sinus. Understanding why bone is limited helps explain why one patient may need sinus augmentation while another may not.
The size and position of the maxillary sinuses vary from person to person. In some patients, the sinus naturally extends closer to the upper jawbone.
After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone can gradually change in volume because it no longer supports a natural tooth root.
Advanced periodontal disease can damage the supporting bone around the upper teeth, leaving less bone available if those teeth are later replaced with implants.
A dental implant requires an appropriate amount of healthy bone for support. When available bone is limited, augmentation may be needed to prepare the site.
Some swelling, tenderness, minor bleeding, or a feeling of pressure can occur during the initial recovery period. Because treatment is performed near the sinus, you’ll receive specific instructions designed to protect the surgical area while it heals.
You may be advised to avoid activities that create pressure within the sinus, such as forceful nose blowing, for a period after surgery. Following your individualized instructions is important because the exact precautions and healing timeline depend on the procedure performed.
Although the gum tissue heals relatively quickly, the grafted bone requires additional time to develop and mature. We’ll monitor the area and determine when it is ready for the next phase of implant treatment.
No. A sinus lift is only considered when there is not enough bone beneath the maxillary sinus to appropriately support the planned implant. Digital imaging allows us to measure the available bone and determine whether augmentation is necessary.
In some cases, yes. Whether the implant can be placed at the same time depends on the amount and quality of existing bone, the stability that can be achieved, and other clinical factors. When more extensive bone development is needed, the graft may need to heal before implant placement.
The treatment area is thoroughly numbed during the procedure. Some swelling, tenderness, pressure, or congestion-like sensations may occur afterward. We’ll provide detailed instructions for managing your recovery and protecting the sinus area while it heals.
The timeline depends on the amount of grafting performed, existing bone, healing response, and whether the implant was placed at the same time as the sinus lift. When treatment is staged, the graft generally needs time to develop and mature before implant placement. We’ll monitor the area and determine when it is ready.
