Sinus Lift Explained

A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the premolars and molars. It involves lifting the sinus membrane upward to make room for bone graft material between the jaw and the maxillary sinus floor. This procedure is necessary when there is insufficient bone height for dental implant placement. Two main approaches exist: the lateral window technique and the crestal approach. The lateral technique involves creating a small window in the lateral sinus wall, gently elevating the membrane, and packing bone graft material into the space. The crestal approach accesses the sinus through the implant site and is less invasive but suitable for cases requiring less augmentation. Healing typically takes four to eight months, after which dental implants can be placed. In some cases, implants may be placed simultaneously with the sinus lift if sufficient bone height exists for initial stability. The success rate for sinus lifts is high, exceeding 95% in most studies.