Top Oral Surgeon Falcon, Peyton, Limon, Colorado Springs and surrounding areas
Sinus Lift
What is a Sinus Lift?
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located above your upper teeth, behind your cheeks. In some cases, the roots of the upper teeth extend into these sinuses. When these teeth are lost or extracted, only a thin layer of bone may remain, leaving insufficient support for dental implants.
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw by gently raising the sinus floor. This technique is often necessary for patients who have experienced bone loss due to tooth loss, gum disease, or injury. By increasing bone volume in this area, a sinus lift creates a strong, stable foundation for dental implants.
As one of the most common bone grafting procedures, a sinus lift makes it possible for patients with upper jaw bone loss to achieve a secure, long-lasting implant-supported smile. If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for implants, schedule a consultation with us to explore your options!
Am I a Candidate for a Sinus Lift Procedure?
A sinus lift may be recommended if you:
Are missing multiple teeth in the upper back jaw
Have experienced significant bone loss in the upper jaw
Have missing teeth due to a congenital condition or birth defect
Need additional bone support for dental implants to restore most or all of your upper teeth
If you’re considering dental implants but have been told you don’t have enough bone, a sinus lift can help create the strong foundation needed for a long-lasting, confident smile.
How is this procedure Accomplished?
The sinus lift procedure is typically performed as follows:
Incision & Access: A small incision is made in the premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone.
Sinus Membrane Lifting: A small opening is created in the bone, and the membrane lining the sinus is gently lifted.
Bone Grafting: The space created is then filled with bone grafting material, promoting new bone growth.
Suturing & Healing: After the graft is placed, the incision is sutured, and the healing process begins. Over several months, the bone integrates with the patient’s jaw, creating a stable foundation for dental implants.
If there is sufficient bone between the upper jaw ridge and the sinus floor, both the sinus lift and dental implant placement can be completed in a single procedure. If additional bone growth is needed, the graft will require several months to mature before implants can be placed.
For many patients, a sinus lift enables the placement of dental implants when there were previously no other options but loose dentures. The procedure is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia, with optional oral or IV sedation for added comfort.
Think You Might Need Bone Grafting or a Related Procedure?
Call our caring staff with any questions or concerns!