Emergency
(215) 443-7400
A sinus lift (also known as sinus augmentation) is a specific type of bone grafting procedure aimed at the upper jaw, specifically the back area where your molars are near the maxillary sinus cavities. If you need a dental implant in the upper premolar or molar region but don’t have enough vertical bone height (often because the sinus is pneumatized, meaning it has expanded downwards after tooth loss, or bone resorbed), a sinus lift can add bone to that area. Essentially, we “lift” the sinus membrane upward and pack bone graft beneath it, creating a thicker bone foundation for future implants.
When and why is a sinus lift needed? The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces in your cheekbones. The roots of your upper back teeth often extend close to these sinuses. When those teeth are removed, the sinus can enlarge over time, and the bone height in that area can shrink, sometimes leaving only a very thin barrier of bone between the mouth and sinus. An implant needs a certain amount of bone (ideally at least 8-10mm or more) for stability. If there’s, say, only 4mm of bone, a sinus lift can add additional millimeters.
So, if Dr. Lala determines via X-ray/CT scan that your sinus floor is low and bone is insufficient for an implant, a sinus lift is recommended. It’s commonly done for patients who lost upper molars a while ago and now seek implants.
In many cases of a lateral sinus lift, we may or may not place the implant simultaneously – it depends on how much native bone you had. If you had ~5mm of bone, we might place an implant concurrently, packing graft around it to reach desired height. If you had very minimal bone (<4mm), we may stage it: do the graft, let it heal 6+ months, then place implants.
After a sinus lift: It’s a surgical procedure, so expect some swelling and possibly bruising on the cheek. We’ll give you specific instructions. One key thing: avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully with your mouth closed for at least 1-2 weeks. Since we’ve manipulated the sinus, we want that membrane to heal undisturbed and the graft to stay in place. We might prescribe a decongestant to help you avoid congestion. Pain is usually moderate the first couple days – we’ll ensure you have appropriate pain relief. Antibiotics and a special mouth rinse are commonly prescribed to prevent infection.
Keep your head elevated when sleeping for a few nights. Stick to soft foods and avoid creating suction in your mouth (no straws) while the area heals. We’ll likely see you for a check a week after to remove any stitches and see how you’re doing.
Sinus lifts might sound a bit exotic, but they are a routine pre-implant procedure with a high success rate. Without them, many patients in Horsham and Ambler who had been missing upper back teeth would never be able to get implants. With them, we can unlock the possibility of fixed teeth again. Dr. Lala has the training to perform sinus augmentations safely. We use the latest techniques to minimize sinus membrane perforation and maximize graft success.
If you need an upper implant and bone looks limited, don’t be discouraged. We’ll discuss whether a sinus lift is indicated. Our team will guide you through it so that you, too, can enjoy the benefits of implants in areas that once had insufficient bone. We’re essentially raising the roof – literally lifting the sinus roof – to build you a strong foundation for new teeth.