Sinus Augmentation

A sinus lift is a surgery that adds bone to your upper jaw in the premolar and molar areas of your mouth. To add bone, an incision is made where the premolar and molar teeth were previously located. Once the bone is exposed, a small circular shape is made in the bone to access the sinus. Once the sinus is accessed, the sinus membrane is gently pushed up and away from the upper jaw to allow for bone graft material to be placed. In some cases, the implant may be placed while in others, a healing period is required before the implant can be placed.

There are two types of sinus lifts – vertical (aka internal) sinus lifts and lateral (aka window) sinus lifts.

A vertical sinus lift, also known as an internal sinus lift, involves making a small opening in the bone where the implant will be placed, parallel to the teeth, and pushing the sinus upward. Once this is done, bone graft material is placed into the sinus space to change the shape and provide support. Once the bone is in place, the incision is closed, the dental implant is placed, and the healing process begins. This is the most common type of sinus lift.

A lateral sinus, also known as a window sinus lift, involves making a small window on the exterior side wall bone of the maxillary sinus, perpendicular to the teeth. This approach is usually done when more bone graft material is needed to provide support for an implant. The sinus membrane is still pushed upward, although from the side access window, and bone graft material is placed. A period of healing is required before the dental implant may be placed.