Sinus Lift
A sinus lift adds bone to the upper back jaw when there is not enough vertical bone height for dental implant placement near the maxillary sinus.
At a glance
A quick overview before exploring the treatment in greater detail.
Builds bone in the upper back jaw
May create adequate support for dental implants
Planned with 3D imaging and individual anatomy in mind
Understanding sinus lift
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a bone-grafting procedure performed in the upper back jaw. It may be recommended when there is not enough bone height between the mouth and the maxillary sinus to support a dental implant.
Bone loss in this area may occur after tooth loss, periodontal disease, infection, or natural enlargement of the sinus over time. The amount of remaining bone varies significantly from one patient to another.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is carefully elevated and graft material is placed beneath it to create additional bone volume for future or simultaneous implant placement.
At Prestwicke Dental, sinus-lift planning includes evaluation of the available bone, sinus anatomy, implant position, medical history, sinus health, and long-term restorative goals.
Why patients consider this treatment
Potential benefits depend on your diagnosis, treatment goals, and individual oral health.
Creates additional bone height in the upper back jaw
May make implant placement possible in a limited-bone area
Supports more favorable implant positioning
May reduce the need for alternative removable treatment
Uses grafting techniques selected for the individual site
Coordinates bone development with the future restoration
What to expect
A clear process helps you understand each stage of care.
Evaluation and 3D Imaging
We evaluate the upper jaw, sinus anatomy, bone height, nearby teeth, medical history, and implant goals.
Treatment Planning
We determine the type of sinus lift, graft material, timing, and whether implant placement can occur during the same procedure.
Sinus Augmentation
The sinus membrane is carefully elevated and graft material is placed beneath it to build additional bone.
Healing and Implant Placement
The graft is allowed to heal, and the site is reassessed before or after implant placement depending on the treatment plan.
How we approach sinus lift
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis and condition of the affected teeth and tissues.
Not every upper posterior implant requires a sinus lift. The recommendation depends on the amount of bone beneath the sinus, implant length and position, restorative design, and overall treatment plan.
A crestal or internal sinus lift may be considered when a smaller amount of additional bone height is needed. The procedure is performed through the implant site and may allow implant placement during the same appointment.
A lateral-window sinus lift may be recommended when greater bone development is required. A small access opening is created in the side of the upper jaw, the membrane is elevated, and graft material is placed beneath it.
Implant placement may occur at the same time as the graft when enough native bone is available for initial implant stability. Otherwise, the graft is allowed to heal before implant placement.
Three-dimensional imaging helps evaluate the sinus floor, bone height, sinus septa, membrane condition, nearby roots, and other anatomical considerations.
Existing sinus symptoms, chronic sinus disease, active infection, or certain anatomical findings may require additional evaluation before treatment.
After surgery, patients may be advised to avoid nose blowing, sneezing with the mouth closed, smoking, strenuous activity, and other actions that increase sinus pressure.
Temporary swelling, bruising, pressure, congestion, or minor nasal drainage may occur during early healing. Follow the postoperative instructions and contact the office if symptoms worsen.
Is this treatment right for you?
A sinus lift may be appropriate for patients who need implants in the upper back jaw but do not have enough vertical bone height for predictable placement.
You are missing an upper premolar or molar.
The sinus is positioned close to the jaw ridge.
Bone height is insufficient for ideal implant placement.
Bone loss followed long-term tooth loss or periodontal disease.
Your sinus health and medical condition permit treatment.
You are willing to complete the required healing period.
What results may look like
A successful sinus lift may create additional bone volume and improve the foundation for dental implant placement in the upper back jaw. Results depend on sinus anatomy, graft size, blood supply, healing response, oral hygiene, medical health, and smoking status.
Individual outcomes vary based on oral health, diagnosis, treatment selection, healing, habits, and maintenance.
Care centered on clarity, comfort, and long-term health
Every treatment plan is personalized around the patient rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Personalized Care
Recommendations are based on your oral health, concerns, comfort, and long-term goals.
Clear Treatment Planning
We explain findings, alternatives, expected steps, and estimated costs whenever possible.
Modern Dentistry
Digital technology supports accurate diagnosis, communication, and treatment planning.
Common questions about sinus lift
These answers provide general information. Your visit will address your specific oral health and treatment needs.
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift is a bone-grafting procedure that elevates the sinus membrane and adds bone to the upper back jaw to support future dental implant placement.
Why might I need a sinus lift?
It may be recommended when there is not enough bone height beneath the sinus to place an implant in a favorable and stable position.
Does every upper implant require a sinus lift?
No. Many patients have enough bone for implant placement without sinus augmentation. The need is determined through examination and imaging.
Can the implant be placed at the same time?
Sometimes. Simultaneous placement depends on the amount and quality of existing bone, implant stability, defect size, and overall treatment plan.
How long does a sinus lift take to heal?
Healing commonly requires several months, although the exact timeline depends on graft size, implant timing, material used, and individual healing.
Is a sinus lift painful?
Local anesthesia is used during the procedure. Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, pressure, or congestion may occur during early healing.
What graft material is used?
Depending on the case, graft material may be donor-derived, animal-derived, synthetic, or collected from the patient.
Can a sinus lift fail?
Yes. Infection, membrane complications, smoking, poor healing, graft exposure, or other factors can interfere with treatment.
What happens if the sinus membrane tears?
Small membrane tears can often be managed during surgery. The treatment plan may be modified depending on the size and location of the opening.
Can I fly after a sinus lift?
Air travel may need to be postponed because pressure changes can affect the healing sinus. Follow the specific instructions provided for your case.
Can I blow my nose after surgery?
Patients are generally advised to avoid forceful nose blowing during early healing because it can increase sinus pressure.
What symptoms should I report?
Contact the office for worsening swelling, persistent bleeding, fever, severe pain, foul drainage, air or fluid movement between the mouth and nose, or unusual sinus symptoms.
Explore related dental care
Depending on your needs, this service may be considered alongside other treatments.
Sinus lift surgery in Algonquin, Illinois
Prestwicke Dental provides sinus-lift and upper-jaw bone-grafting consultations for patients from Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Cary, Carpentersville, and nearby communities.
Do you need more bone for an upper dental implant?
Schedule a consultation to evaluate the upper jaw and determine whether a sinus lift, another grafting approach, or direct implant placement is appropriate.