Sinus Lift
When upper back teeth are lost, the sinus above them expands into the space where implant bone is needed. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus lining and places bone graft beneath it. It is among the more predictable grafts, with a long track record.
“Several doctors told me a new implant was out of the question because the bone loss was too severe to be grafted. … He performed masterful bone/tissue graft and now my new implant is firmed anchored. Dr Verrett is awesome! I highly recommend him!!”
“Dr Verrett was confident, experienced, knowledgeable, and very personable. I had been uncertain about where to go for care and receiving conflicting information about the best course of action … I soon trusted that I was in good hands and now feel very hopeful for a good outcome with bone graft and future implant.”
Why the Sinus Matters for Upper Implants
The maxillary sinus sits directly above the roots of the upper premolars and molars. After those teeth are lost, two things happen: the ridge shrinks from below and the sinus expands from above. The bone that remains is often only a few millimeters, too little to hold an implant. A sinus lift solves that.
It is one of the better-documented procedures in implant dentistry. A systematic review by Pjetursson and colleagues in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found implant survival three years after a lateral-window lift of about 90 percent overall, rising to roughly 98 percent for rough-surfaced implants where the window was covered with a membrane. A companion review by Tan and colleagues of the crestal technique reported about 93 percent implant survival at three years, comparable to implants placed in bone that needed no lift. Those are implant-level figures. Counted by patient instead, the Pjetursson review reports 16.6 percent losing an implant over those three years, and that is the number that answers a patient’s question rather than an implant’s.
What Happens
- Consult and cone-beam CT. The scan shows exactly how much bone remains and whether the sinus is healthy.
- The procedure. Under local anesthetic, with sedation if you choose. For a lateral lift, a small window is made in the bone on the cheek side, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, and graft material is placed beneath it. For a crestal lift, the same is done through the implant site. About an hour.
- Healing. Four to six months for a lateral lift before the implant is placed. Bone maturity is confirmed on a follow-up scan when the planning needs it.
- Implant. Placed into the new bone, then restored by your dentist after integration.
Recovery
Swelling for two to three days, mild bruising in some patients, and sinus stuffiness for up to two weeks. Antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, and a decongestant are prescribed. The sinus precautions above are important and are printed on your instructions.
Cost and Insurance
The sinus lift is itemized separately from the implant on your written estimate. Cost and insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel it in my sinus?
Some pressure and stuffiness for a few days is normal. Real sinus pain or drainage is not, and you should call us. Most patients say it was easier than they expected.
Lateral or crestal: what's the difference?
A crestal lift is done through the implant site itself when only a few millimeters of bone are needed, and the implant is usually placed the same day. A lateral lift opens a small window in the side of the jaw to add more bone, and the implant is placed four to six months later. The cone-beam CT (a 3D X-ray) determines which is appropriate.
What can't I do afterward?
For two weeks: no nose blowing, sneeze with your mouth open, no straws, no flying or scuba diving, and no heavy lifting. These keep pressure off the healing sinus lining. Take the decongestant we recommend.
Can the implant go in at the same time?
With a crestal lift, usually yes. With a lateral lift, sometimes, when there is enough native bone to hold the implant stable. Otherwise the implant follows after healing.
Is it safe if I have sinus problems?
Chronic sinus infection or a blocked sinus needs to be treated first, sometimes with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The scan shows the sinus clearly and we will tell you if a referral is needed before proceeding.