When a patient is missing one or several teeth, getting implants may be a good option. Implants not only replace the missing pieces with natural looking teeth, and make a smile more attractive, but they also serve to restore bone loss.

However, getting implants may require some patients to get a relatively standard procedure known as a sinus lift.

A sinus lift, or maxillary sinus floor augmentation, is a surgical treatment that takes bone from one part of the body to enhance the upper jaw. This procedure is usually needed when the bone height in the upper jaw is not enough to allow for the implants or when the sinuses are too close to the jaw, and there is not enough room for the dental implants.

There are several cases in which a patient may need a sinus lift before getting dental implants. Among them are:

• Previous damage from jaw trauma
• Previous tooth extraction
• A cyst or tumor that has been removed
• Bone loss due to periodontitis
• Bone loss due to tooth loss
• Naturally large sinus cavity
• Thin jaw bone

Most times during a sinus lift surgery, our surgeon makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone, and then he or she cuts a path to reach the sinus cavity. The membrane in the sinus cavity gets lifted, and the new space is filled with particles from the bone graft.

Like with any other surgery, there is a risk involved, which we can give you all the information you need to make the best decision for you. Our surgeons have many years of experience in their field, and our staff is here to answer any question you have about having a sinus lift before getting your dental implants. Don’t hesitate to ask us during your consultation or with a phone call.