Sinus Lift Surgery: Building a Strong Foundation for Dental Implants
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to your upper jaw, in the area of your back teeth (molars and premolars), just below your sinuses.
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located above your upper jaw. If your natural bone height in that area is too thin or low, there may not be enough room to place a dental implant. That’s where a sinus lift comes in.
The procedure involves:
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Gently lifting the sinus membrane upward
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Placing bone graft material into the space beneath it
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Allowing it to heal and fuse with your natural bone over time
This added bone provides a strong foundation for dental implants, which are used to replace missing teeth.
Why Would I Need a Sinus Lift?
There are several reasons your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a sinus lift:
1. Bone Loss After Tooth Extraction
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When a tooth is lost or removed, the surrounding bone naturally shrinks over time (called bone resorption). After several months or years, there may not be enough bone left to place an implant.
2. Enlarged Sinuses
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Some people naturally have low or large sinus cavities that are too close to the upper jawbone, leaving no room for implant placement.
3. Periodontal (Gum) Disease
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Advanced gum disease can lead to the loss of bone supporting your teeth making implants impossible without rebuilding that bone first.
4. Trauma or Infection
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Injury, cysts, or long-standing infections can damage bone in the upper jaw.
5. Long-Term Denture Wearers
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If you’ve been using upper dentures for years, the jawbone may have thinned over time.
Procedure Overview
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A small incision is made in the gum tissue above your back teeth.
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A small window is created in the bone to access the sinus membrane.
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The sinus membrane is carefully lifted upward; just a few millimeters.
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Bone graft material is gently packed into the newly created space.
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The incision is closed with stitches, and healing begins.
What Kind of Bone Is Used?
Several safe and biocompatible bone graft options are available:
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Autograft: Your own bone (usually from the jaw, chin, or hip)
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Allograft: Processed, sterile donor bone (human)
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Xenograft: Bone from animal sources (usually bovine/cow)
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Alloplast: Synthetic bone material
Your dentist will recommend the best type for your case, depending on your preferences, medical condition, and the amount of bone needed.
Healing and Recovery Timeline
Risks and
Success Rate
Healing after a sinus lift is gradual, but the process is usually smooth and manageable. Here’s what to expect:
Sinus lift surgery is considered very safe and effective, especially when done by a trained professional. Like any surgical procedure, there are small risks, such as:
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Sinus membrane tear (usually repaired immediately)
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Infection (rare if post-op care is followed)
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Mild bleeding or discomfort
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Graft failure (very rare, but may require retreatment)
The success rate of sinus lift surgeries is over 90–95%, especially when combined with good oral hygiene and follow-up care.
Day 1 to 3
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Mild swelling, sinus pressure, and tenderness
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Slight bleeding may occur
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Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully
Week 1
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Swelling starts to subside
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Stitches may be removed (if non-dissolvable)
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You can return to work in 1–2 days (depending on comfort)
3 to 6 months
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The bone graft fuses with your natural bone
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Once healed, your dentist will schedule the implant placement
Note: In some cases, the implant may be placed at the same time as the sinus lift but only if there’s enough bone available for stability.
Let’s Build the Foundation for Your Future Smile
If you’ve been told that you’re not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, don’t give up.
A sinus lift can open the door to safe, successful implant treatment.