A strong smile can change far more than your appearance. It can restore your ability to enjoy life without holding back. If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone in your upper jaw for a dental implant, a sinus lift can rebuild the foundation you need to move forward with dental restoration.
Why You May Need a Sinus Lift
The back of your upper jaw naturally sits close to your sinus cavity. When a tooth is lost and not replaced quickly, the bone in that area begins to shrink. Over time, the sinus floor can also expand downward, leaving less space for an implant. Gum disease, injury, or natural bone deficiencies can make the problem worse.
A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material beneath it. This new, healthy bone gives your implant the stability it needs to last for decades—and helps protect the natural shape and strength of your face.
How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works
Every sinus lift begins with a precise plan. Using 3D imaging, we map your bone, sinus cavity, and surrounding structures to design a treatment that’s tailored to you. During the procedure, we:
- Gently lift the sinus membrane to create space
- Place bone graft material in the area to increase bone height and strength
- Close the site so healing can begin
Over the next several months, the graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a solid foundation for your implant and a smile built to last.
Types of Sinus Lift Techniques
We select the approach that best supports your long-term success:
- Lateral Window (Direct) Technique – Ideal for significant bone loss, with the graft placed before implant placement. Healing is typically 6–12 months.
- Crestal (Indirect) Technique – For patients with enough existing bone to place the implant at the same time as the graft, often healing in 4–6 months.
Bone Grafting Materials
Every graft is designed to work in harmony with your body. Materials may come from your own bone, a donor, animal-derived sources, or synthetic bioactive materials—all chosen for safety and effectiveness in building strong bone.
Healing and Recovery
Healing is a vital part of your success. After surgery, you may feel mild swelling or a sense of fullness in the sinus. We’ll give you clear guidance to protect your results—like avoiding nose blowing, taking prescribed medications, and resting in the days after surgery. Most patients return to daily activities quickly, while the bone continues to strengthen over several months.
Risks and Considerations
Complications with sinus lift surgery are rare but may include sinus membrane perforation, infection, or graft failure. With careful planning and expert technique, we minimize these risks and set you up for the best possible outcome.
Alternatives to a Sinus Lift
If a sinus lift isn’t right for you, there are other options. You may be eligible for shorter implants, angled implants, zygomatic implants, or other non-implant solutions. We’ll review each choice so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Are You a Candidate?
A detailed evaluation, including 3D imaging, helps us determine if a sinus lift is your best path forward. We consider your goals, health, and timeline to create a plan that feels right for you.
Benefits of a Sinus Lift
A sinus lift can be the turning point in your dental implant journey, allowing you to:
- Secure an implant in the upper jaw when bone is lacking
- Preserve your facial structure and prevent further bone loss
- Enjoy a smile that feels natural, stable, and truly your own
Schedule a Consultation
The decision to restore your smile is also a decision to invest in yourself. At Advanced Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we combine compassionate care with expert surgical precision to make that investment last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier smile.
