What is a Sinus Lift?

The maxillary sinuses are located above your upper teeth and behind your cheeks. These are air-filled, empty cavities. Sometimes, the roots of natural upper teeth extend into these sinuses. When these teeth are removed, only a thin layer of bone often remains to separate the sinus from the mouth. Dental implants require sufficient bone to stay secure, which becomes challenging if the sinus wall is too thin.

A successful dental implant relies on both the quality and quantity of jawbone it can anchor to. If bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease or injury, a sinus lift procedure, also known as a sinus augmentation, can help. This procedure raises the sinus floor and promotes new bone growth, making it one of the most common bone grafting techniques for replacing lost bone in the upper jaw. By creating new bone above the gum line’s ridge, dental implants can be securely placed and supported in the upper jaw.

Am I a Candidate for a Sinus Lift?

You may benefit from a sinus lift procedure if you:

• Are missing multiple teeth in the back part of your upper jaw.
• Have a significant amount of bone loss in the upper jaw.
• Lost teeth due to a birth defect or medical condition.
• Need support for dental implants to replace most of your upper teeth (maxillary teeth).

How is a Sinus Lift Performed?

The sinus lift procedure typically begins with a small incision in the premolar or molar area to expose the jawbone. A small section of the bone is cut, and the sinus membrane lining is carefully lifted upward. The newly created space is then filled with bone graft material, which may come from your own body, donor sources, or synthetic materials designed to mimic bone growth.

Once the bone graft is in place, the incision is sutured, and the healing process starts. Over several months, the grafted material integrates with the jawbone, becoming a solid foundation. Dental implants can then be placed and stabilized in the newly grown bone.

If there’s already sufficient bone between the upper jaw ridge and the sinus, it might be possible to combine the sinus lift and implant placement into a single procedure. However, if the existing bone is too thin, the sinus lift must be completed first. Afterward, it could take several months for the graft to mature before dental implants can be inserted.

Why is a Sinus Lift Important?

This procedure opens the door for many patients who previously only had the option of loose dentures. By building a stable foundation in the upper jaw, a sinus lift allows for secure dental implants, improving both function and comfort.