What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is a bone grafting surgery performed in the upper posterior jaw to create sufficient bone height for dental implant placement. The procedure involves gently lifting the sinus membrane (mucosa) that sits above the upper back teeth and adding bone graft material into the space created. This increases bone volume in an area where the sinus cavity naturally occupies space, allowing implants to integrate with adequate bone support.

The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities in the upper skull located just above the back teeth. When teeth are missing or bone has resorbed over time, the sinus floor may be too close to the jaw ridge for an implant to achieve proper osseointegration (fusion with bone). A sinus lift raises this floor, providing the extra height needed for a standard-length implant to function. The bone graft material gradually incorporates into the patient's own bone over several months.

This procedure is common in Columbia, SC dental practices because posterior upper teeth are frequently lost to decay or age. Sinus lift surgery allows patients who would otherwise lack sufficient bone to become candidates for implants rather than relying solely on bridges or dentures. Grafting materials may be harvested from the patient's own jaw, sourced from donors, or synthetic. Recovery typically takes 4-9 months before an implant can be placed, depending on the extent of grafting and healing.

If you need a sinus lift, find an experienced implant surgeon who can evaluate your specific bone levels and sinus anatomy.