What is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation or sinus floor elevation) is a surgical procedure used to increase bone height in the upper back jaw, just beneath the sinus cavity. When the maxillary sinus expands downward—naturally or following tooth loss—the available bone may be insufficient for dental implants. During a sinus lift, a small window is created in the jawbone, the sinus lining is gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed. Over months, this encourages new bone formation, preparing the site for stable implant placement.
Am I a Candidate for a Sinus Lift Procedure?
You may be a candidate if:
- You’ve lost one or more upper back teeth and plan to replace them with implants.
- Your jawbone has significantly resorbed due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma, or development issues.
- Your maxillary sinuses are positioned close to the alveolar ridge, preventing stable implant placement.
During your consultation, we use panoramic X‑rays and CBCT scans to assess bone thickness and sinus anatomy, determining if a sinus lift is needed.
How is a Sinus Lift Accomplished?
- Anesthesia & Preparation — Local anesthesia with optional sedation is used for a comfortable procedure.
- Accessing the Sinus Cavity — An incision is made near the molar area to expose the bone.
- Lifting the Sinus Membrane — The sinus membrane is gently elevated to create space.
- Graft Insertion — Bone graft material (autograft, allograft, or synthetic) is placed beneath the lifted membrane.
- Closure & Healing — The area is sutured, and healing takes 4–12 months for the bone graft to integrate.
- Implant Placement — Implants are placed after graft stability is confirmed, sometimes in the same appointment.
Why Choose South Mississippi Oral Surgery?
- Advanced Imaging & Planning — We use CBCT and panoramic scans for precise sinus evaluation.
- Board‑Certified Surgical Expertise — Our surgeons specialize in sinus augmentation to support implant success.
- Customized Grafting Solutions — We personalize bone graft selection based on each patient’s needs and goals.
- Compassionate Comfort Care — Skilled anesthesia and sedation options ensure a calm, pain‑free experience.
- Comprehensive Recovery Support — We provide thorough after‑care instructions and monitoring until healing is complete.
- High Success Rates — Our sinus lifts offer a >90% success rate, enabling reliable implant outcomes.