Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Treatment (Frenectomy)
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a bone grafting procedure performed in the upper back jaw to create enough bone for dental implant placement.
After teeth have been missing for a period of time, the bone beneath the maxillary sinus may gradually shrink, leaving insufficient bone to securely support a dental implant. A sinus lift increases the available bone height, helping provide a stable foundation for implant treatment.
At Hunters Point Dentistry, we use comprehensive examinations and advanced 3D imaging to determine whether a sinus lift is necessary as part of your personalized dental implant treatment plan.
Why Might a Sinus Lift Be Needed?
A sinus lift may be recommended if there is not enough bone in the upper back jaw to support a dental implant.
Common reasons include:
- Bone loss after tooth extraction
- Long-term missing teeth
- Natural anatomy with a low sinus floor
- Bone resorption over time
- Previous periodontal disease
Not every patient receiving implants needs a sinus lift. The procedure is recommended only when necessary to achieve a predictable long-term result.
How Is a Sinus Lift Determined?
Before recommending treatment, we perform a thorough evaluation to assess your bone anatomy.
Your consultation may include:
- Comprehensive dental examination
- Digital X-rays
- CBCT 3D imaging
- Digital intraoral scanning
- Medical history review
- Evaluation of sinus anatomy and available bone height
These findings allow us to determine whether implants can be placed directly or whether additional bone support is needed first.
What Happens During a Sinus Lift?
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently elevated to create space for bone graft material beneath it.
Depending on your individual situation:
- A bone graft is placed beneath the sinus membrane.
- Dental implants may be placed during the same procedure if adequate initial stability can be achieved.
- In other cases, healing is allowed before implant placement is performed at a later appointment.
Your treatment plan will be customized based on your bone volume, implant site, and overall oral health.
Benefits of a Sinus Lift
A sinus lift may:
- Create sufficient bone for implant placement
- Improve implant stability
- Expand treatment options for the upper back jaw
- Increase the likelihood of long-term implant success
- Allow replacement of teeth that otherwise may not be candidates for implants
The goal is to establish a healthy and stable foundation before placing your dental implant.
Recovery
Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for several days after surgery.
Recovery instructions may include:
- Avoid blowing your nose forcefully during the initial healing period
- Sneeze with your mouth open whenever possible
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Follow a soft-food diet initially
- Attend all recommended follow-up visits
Healing time varies depending on the amount of grafting performed and whether implants are placed simultaneously.
Why Choose Hunters Point Dentistry?
Successful implant treatment begins with careful planning.
At Hunters Point Dentistry, we use advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate your bone anatomy and determine whether additional procedures, such as a sinus lift, are necessary before implant placement.
Our practice offers:
- Comprehensive implant evaluations
- Digital X-rays and CBCT 3D imaging
- Personalized treatment planning
- Collaboration with our in-house oral surgeon for surgical procedures
- Conservative, evidence-based treatment recommendations
- Long-term follow-up throughout the implant process
Our goal is to provide predictable implant treatment while preserving your long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper back jaw by gently raising the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material underneath. This creates sufficient bone to support a dental implant.
If there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to securely support an implant, a sinus lift may help create a stable foundation for successful implant placement.
Sometimes. If adequate implant stability can be achieved, implants may be placed during the same procedure. In other situations, healing is recommended before implant placement.
The procedure is performed using appropriate anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Mild soreness and swelling afterward are common and usually improve over the following several days.
Healing varies depending on the amount of grafting and your individual biology. Your dentist will discuss the expected timeline during your consultation.
No. Many patients have enough existing bone for implant placement without additional procedures. A CBCT scan helps determine whether a sinus lift is necessary.
If insufficient bone is present, placing an implant without adequate support may compromise its long-term stability. A sinus lift may be recommended to improve the foundation before implant placement.
Coverage depends on your dental insurance plan and the procedures being performed. Our team will review your benefits and discuss your estimated coverage before treatment begins.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for a dental implant, a sinus lift may help make implant treatment possible.
Schedule a consultation at Hunters Point Dentistry. We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation, review your CBCT imaging, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve a healthy, long-lasting smile.