Sinus Augmentation (Sinus Lift)
Creating the Bone Needed for Dental Implants in the Upper Jaw
The upper back jaw naturally contains less bone than many other areas of the mouth. After tooth loss, the maxillary sinus often expands downward while the surrounding bone gradually becomes thinner.
When insufficient bone is available, a dental implant cannot be placed predictably without first rebuilding the area.
A sinus augmentation, commonly called a sinus lift, increases the amount of available bone beneath the sinus, creating a stable foundation for future implant placement.
Why Is a Sinus Lift Needed?
Following the loss of upper molars or premolars, two natural changes often occur:
The jawbone gradually resorbs.
The maxillary sinus slowly enlarges into the space once occupied by the tooth roots.
These combined changes may leave too little bone to securely support a dental implant.
A sinus augmentation restores this lost foundation.
How the Procedure Works
The appropriate technique depends on the amount of remaining bone.
Internal (Crestal) Sinus Lift
When only a small amount of additional height is needed, the sinus membrane can often be gently elevated through the implant site itself while bone graft material is placed beneath it.
This minimally invasive technique is frequently performed at the same time as implant placement.
Lateral Window Sinus Augmentation
When more extensive bone reconstruction is necessary, a small window is created in the side of the upper jaw to gently elevate the sinus membrane.
Bone grafting material is then placed beneath the membrane, where it serves as a scaffold for new bone formation.
Over the following months, your body gradually replaces the graft with healthy living bone capable of supporting dental implants.
Healing
Healing generally requires four to nine months, depending on the amount of grafting performed and your individual treatment plan.
Once adequate bone has developed, implant placement can proceed with significantly greater predictability.
Our Philosophy
Successful dental implants begin with a healthy foundation.
Rather than compromising implant placement because of inadequate bone, we believe in creating the conditions necessary for long-term success. Careful planning, advanced imaging, and proven regenerative techniques allow us to rebuild lost bone and provide patients with predictable, lasting results.