Sinus Lift / Elevation

To be a candidate for the dental implant procedure, a patient must have sufficient bone in the maxillary and mandibular ridge to support the implants. Sinus lifts create additional space for dental implants by either grafting extra bone near the sinus or in some cases by tapping near the sinus floor with surgical instruments to lift the sinus membrane.

When a tooth is lost, the vacant tooth socket collapses, leaving a loss in both height and width of surrounding bone. When an upper molar or premolar is lost, the floor of the upper sinus expands, which further reduces the thickness of the underlying bone. The result is a loss of space in which to place dental implants.

Undergoing sinus lift surgery has allowed many patients to have successful dental implants treatments, in particular the all on 4 and all on 6 techniques. In most cases, dental implants can be placed concurrently with the procedure, minimizing discomfort of multiple surgeries. If you have been told you need a sinus lift to allow for dental implant placement, please contact us for an explanation of the process and a cost estimate.

Modern sinus lift procedures keep pain to a minimum and the procedure is usually done during the dental implant surgery, minimizing surgical time.

• Lateral Window (Classic): Access through a lateral window in the maxillary bone. Ideal for significant height increases.
• Crestal/Osteotome (Minimally Invasive): Access from the alveolar crest using osteotomes. Less invasive, with faster recovery.
• Simultaneous: Implants placed at the same time as the sinus lift (when there is ≥5–6 mm of residual bone).
• With Bone Graft: Use of xenograft (e.g., Bio-Oss)
• Graftless (No Bone Graft): Modern technique for minimal space requirements; only membrane elevation and immediate implant placement.

• Precise Diagnosis: 3D tomography (CBCT) to measure residual bone height and plan the treatment.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia ± conscious sedation for maximum comfort.
• Elevation: Lateral or crestal access; sinus membrane gently lifted with delicate instruments.
• Grafting: Bone material placed beneath the membrane to create support.
• Closure: Sutures. Simultaneous implant placement if possible.
• Healing: 4–6 months for bone integration (verified with follow-up tomography).

• Enables implants in the posterior upper jaw even with limited bone.
• High success rate (>95%) thanks to 3D-guided surgery.
• Possibility of immediate or simultaneous implants (reduces number of surgeries and overall treatment time).
• Preserves facial aesthetics and chewing function.
• Coordinated team: maxillofacial surgeon + implant specialist.

• Mild discomfort for 5–10 days (swelling, pain controlled with medication).
• Soft diet for 1–2 weeks; avoid forceful sneezing or nose blowing.
• No smoking, prescribed antibiotics/pain relievers.
• Frequent follow-up visits. Total time before final prosthesis: 4–6 months.

Patients with bone loss in the posterior upper jaw due to prolonged extractions, periodontal disease, trauma, or ill-fitting dentures. If you’ve been told “there isn’t enough bone,” send us your panoramic x-ray for a free evaluation.

• What is sinus lift elevation for dental implants? Sinus lift (also called sinus elevation or sinus augmentation) is a surgical procedure that lifts the sinus membrane in the upper jaw to create additional bone space, allowing safe and stable placement of dental implants when the natural bone height is insufficient. It is often combined with bone grafting to fill the newly created space.
• Why do I need a sinus lift? When upper molars or premolars are lost, the sinus naturally expands downward and the bone resorbs over time. Without enough bone height in the posterior upper jaw, dental implants cannot be placed securely. A sinus lift rebuilds the necessary foundation for long-term implant success.
• Does the sinus lift procedure hurt? The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with optional conscious sedation for complete comfort. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and lasts 5–10 days (swelling, minor pain), easily controlled with prescribed pain medication. With guided 3D surgery, it is far less invasive than older methods.
• How long does recovery take after the sinus lift? Swelling and discomfort typically last 5–10 days. Initial soft-tissue healing occurs in 2–4 weeks. Full bone integration takes 4–6 months before the final prosthesis can be placed. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days with proper care.
• Can implants be placed at the same time as the sinus lift? Yes — in many cases (simultaneous technique), implants can be placed during the same procedure when at least 5–6 mm of residual bone is present. This reduces the total number of surgeries and shortens overall treatment time significantly.
• What are the risks or complications of sinus lift? Temporary swelling and discomfort are common (5–10 days). Rare complications include sinus membrane perforation (minimized with guided 3D technique), infection, or delayed healing. Risks are very low when performed by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon and implant team.