What is a sinus lift?

The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth. These sinuses are empty, air-filled spaces. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.nnThe key to a successful and long-lasting dental implant is the quality and quantity of jaw bone to which the implant will be attached. If bone loss has occurred due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor and allow for new bone formation. A sinus lift is one of the most common bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw. The procedure seeks to grow bone in the floor of the maxillary sinus above the bony ridge of the gum line that anchors the teeth in the upper jaw. This enables dental implants to be placed and secured in the new bone growth

Am I a candidate for a sinus lift procedure?

A sinus lift may be necessary if you:nnare missing more than one tooth in the back of your jawnare missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jawnare missing teeth due to a birth defect or conditionnare missing most of the maxillary teeth and require support for dental implantsn

How is a sinus lift accomplished?

Most commonly, a small incision is made on the premolar or molar region to expose the jaw bone. A small opening is cut into the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone grafting material, either from your own body or from a other sources. Sometimes, synthetic materials that imitate bone formation are used. After the bone is implanted, the incision is sutured and the healing process begins. After several months of healing, the bone becomes part of the patient’s jaw and dental implants can be inserted and stabilized in the newly formed sinus bone.nnIf enough bone between the upper jaw ridge and the bottom of the sinus is available to sufficiently stabilize the implant, sinus augmentations and implant placement can sometimes be performed as a single procedure. If not enough bone is available, the sinus augmentation will have to be performed first, then the graft will have to mature for up to several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.nnThe sinus graft makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants that previously had no other option besides wearing loose dentures.nnA sinus augmentation is generally performed at Dr. Thomas, Dr. Hackenberger, Dr. Kraemer, Dr. Sclafani, Dr. Lehal, Dr. LeRose, Dr. Coviak, Dr. Szandzik and Dr. Knorr‘s office, under local anesthesia. Some patients may request oral or intravenous sedative medication as well.

Why would someone need a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is needed when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw to support dental implants. This can happen due to long-term tooth loss, naturally thin bone, enlarged sinuses, gum disease, trauma, or previous infection that caused bone loss.

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is a procedure that gently lifts the sinus membrane and adds bone graft material beneath it. This rebuilds bone in the upper jaw, creating a strong foundation for dental implants.

How long does it take to heal from a sinus lift?

Soft tissue healing usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, while the bone graft needs about 4 to 6 months to fully integrate before dental implants can be placed.

Can dental implants be placed at the same time as a sinus lift?

In some cases, if enough natural bone remains, dental implants can be placed during the same appointment as the sinus lift. However, most patients need to wait several months for the grafted bone to strengthen before implant placement.

What risks are associated with a sinus lift?

The most common risk is a tear in the sinus membrane, which can be repaired during the procedure. Other uncommon complications include infection or graft failure, but these are rare when performed by an experienced oral surgeon.

Is a sinus lift worth it for dental implants?

Yes. A sinus lift often makes dental implants possible for patients who otherwise lack enough bone in the upper jaw. It helps create a stable foundation for implants and improves long-term treatment success.

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Sinus Lift Surgery: Why You May Need One & How It Helps Prepare for Dental Implants

If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone in your upper jaw for dental implants, a sinus lift—also called sinus augmentation—may be the solution. This specialized procedure gently raises the sinus floor and restores lost bone, creating a strong foundation for secure, long-lasting dental implants.

Why Someone Might Need a Sinus Lift

Many patients are surprised to learn they need a sinus lift, but it’s very common. You may require this procedure if:

1. Your upper back teeth were removed years ago

When molars and premolars are missing for a long time, the jawbone naturally shrinks (resorbs). The sinus cavity also expands downward. This combination can leave too little bone to hold an implant securely.

2. You naturally have large sinuses or thin bone

Some people are simply born with a thinner upper jawbone or a larger sinus space, making implants impossible without added support.

3. Gum disease caused bone loss

Advanced periodontal disease can significantly reduce the amount of bone available, especially in the upper jaw.

4. Trauma or infection damaged the jawbone

Injuries, cysts, or infections can create defects that require bone restoration before implants are placed.

5. You want dental implants but were told you’re “not a candidate”

A sinus lift often turns a “no” into a “yes” by rebuilding the bone you need for a stable, long-lasting implant.

What Exactly Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw by gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material beneath it. Over time, this graft forms strong, healthy bone—giving your oral surgeon enough height and thickness to place dental implants safely.

How a Sinus Lift Procedure Works

Your oral surgeon will recommend one of two main techniques depending on how much bone you need:

Lateral Window Sinus Lift

Used when bone height is very limited.
A small window is created on the side of the upper jaw, the sinus membrane is lifted, and bone graft material is placed beneath it.

Crestal (Internal) Sinus Lift

Used when only a few millimeters of bone height are needed.
The sinus floor is gently elevated through the same area where the implant will be placed.

Bone Graft Options

Graft material may come from:

Your own bone
Donor bone
Processed bone from a tissue bank
Synthetic bone substitutes

Your surgeon will choose the best type based on your treatment plan.

Healing & Implant Timeline

Most patients need 4–6 months for the bone to integrate and strengthen before dental implants are placed.
In some cases, if enough natural bone remains, implants can be placed during the same appointment as the sinus lift.