A sinus lift is a bone-grafting procedure that creates additional bone in the upper jaw so that dental implants can be placed where the maxillary sinus would otherwise be in the way. It sounds dramatic; in experienced hands it is routine.
Why the Upper Back Teeth Are a Problem
The maxillary sinus sits directly above the roots of the upper molars and premolars. When these teeth are lost, the sinus often expands downward into the space the roots previously occupied — a process called pneumatization. The result is insufficient bone height for a standard implant. A sinus lift raises the sinus membrane and adds graft material below it, creating the bone height needed.
The Two Types of Sinus Lift
Lateral Window Sinus Lift
A small window is made in the lateral wall of the sinus. The sinus membrane is gently lifted, and graft material is placed below it. This is the classic approach for cases where significant additional bone is needed (several millimeters).
Crestal (Internal / Summers’) Sinus Lift
A less invasive technique where the sinus membrane is gently lifted through the implant preparation site itself. Appropriate for cases needing 1–3 mm of additional height.
Graft Materials
Typically a combination of allograft (processed human donor bone) and xenograft (usually bovine-derived bone mineral). Sometimes the patient’s own bone is added. The graft integrates with native bone over 6–9 months.
Recovery and Timing
- Mild to moderate discomfort for 2–4 days
- Sinus precautions: no blowing the nose for 2 weeks, sneeze with mouth open, avoid flying if possible
- Implant placement typically 4–9 months after the lateral-window lift
- For crestal lifts, the implant is often placed simultaneously
When a Sinus Lift Can Be Avoided
Angled implant placement (as used in All-on-4 and our STAR Concept™) frequently avoids the sinus entirely by tilting the posterior implants forward. For full-arch cases this often eliminates the need for sinus lifts on one or both sides.
Request a consultation to discuss your case.
Related Articles
- Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
- CBCT Scans for Dental Implants
- What to Expect During Implant Surgery
- How to Prepare for Implant Surgery
Serving Patients Across Greater Boston
The Face Dental Group welcomes patients from throughout Greater Boston:
- Implant Dentist in Wellesley
- Implant Dentist in Somerville
- Implant Dentist in Quincy
- Implant Dentist in Lexington
- Implant Dentist in Belmont & Watertown
See all dental services or learn more about our academic authority. Request a consultation.