Building Bone for Dental Implants in the Upper Back Jaw
Dental implants need a strong foundation of bone to be successful. In the upper back jaw, there is sometimes not enough bone height to safely place an implant because the maxillary sinus sits directly above the roots of the upper premolars and molars.
When upper back teeth are removed, the bone in that area can shrink over time. At the same time, the sinus may expand downward into the space where the tooth roots used to be. This can leave very little bone between the mouth and the sinus.
A maxillary sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a procedure that adds bone beneath the sinus so a dental implant can be placed safely and predictably.
At Schiffman Oral Surgery, we have extensive experience with dental implant surgery and bone grafting procedures, including sinus lifts for patients who need implants in the upper back jaw.
What Is a Maxillary Sinus Lift?
A maxillary sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure used to increase the amount of bone in the upper back jaw.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward, and bone graft material is placed underneath it. Over time, the grafted area heals and becomes a stronger foundation for a future dental implant.
The goal is not to “change” your sinus or affect how you breathe. The goal is to create enough bone height below the sinus so an implant can be placed in the correct position.
Why would I need a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift may be recommended if you are missing an upper molar or premolar and there is not enough bone height for a dental implant.
This can happen for several reasons:
- The tooth has been missing for a long time
- Bone shrank after the tooth was removed
- The sinus expanded downward after tooth loss
- The roots of the original tooth were naturally close to the sinus
- There was infection or bone loss around the tooth before it was removed
- The implant needs more bone support to be placed safely
Many patients first learn they need a sinus lift after being evaluated for a dental implant.
“My Dentist Said I Don’t Have Enough Bone for an Implant”
We hear this often.
Being told that there is not enough bone for an implant does not necessarily mean you cannot have an implant. It often means that bone grafting is needed first.
In the upper back jaw, a sinus lift is one of the most common ways to rebuild the bone needed for implant treatment.
At Schiffman Oral Surgery, we routinely evaluate patients who have been told they do not have enough bone for implants. We will review your imaging, explain your anatomy, and let you know whether a sinus lift, another type of bone graft, or a different implant approach makes the most sense.
How we Evaluate the Sinus and Bone
Planning is very important for sinus lift procedures.
We will need to take a CBCT (Cone Beam CT) scan, which is a 3D dental scan that allows us to evaluate the bone and sinus in detail.
A CBCT scan helps us determine:
- How much bone height is currently available
- The shape and size of the sinus
- Whether the sinus membrane appears healthy
- Whether there is sinus inflammation or other sinus-related concerns
- Whether the implant can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift
- Whether the sinus lift should be performed first, with implant placement later
This careful planning helps make treatment safer, more predictable, and more comfortable.
Internal vs. Lateral Sinus Lift
There are two main ways to perform a sinus lift: an internal sinus lift and a lateral sinus lift. The best option depends on how much bone is present, the density of that bone, and how much additional bone is needed.
Internal Sinus Lift
An internal sinus lift is usually used when only a very small amount of additional bone height is needed.
This technique is performed through the same area where the implant is being prepared. The sinus membrane is gently lifted from below, bone graft material is placed, and in many cases the implant can be placed during the same appointment.
An internal sinus lift is generally less involved than a lateral sinus lift and is often used when there is already enough bone to stabilize the implant.
Lateral Sinus Lift
A lateral sinus lift is used when there is more significant bone loss and a larger amount of bone needs to be added.
During this procedure, a small window is made in the side wall of the upper jaw to access the sinus membrane. The membrane is carefully lifted, and bone graft material is placed beneath it.
Sometimes the implant can be placed at the same time. Other times, the sinus graft is allowed to heal first, and the implant is placed several months later.
Can the implant be placed at the same time?
Sometimes, yes.
Whether the implant can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift depends mainly on how much natural bone is available to hold the implant securely.
If there is enough bone to stabilize the implant, the sinus lift and implant placement may be performed together. This can reduce the total number of procedures and shorten the overall treatment timeline.
If there is not enough bone to hold the implant securely, the sinus lift is usually performed first. The graft is then allowed to heal before the implant is placed at a later appointment.
We will explain which option is best for your specific case after reviewing your 3D imaging.
What happens during the procedure?
A sinus lift is performed in our comfortable oral surgery office in Woodmere, NY.
First, we make sure you are completely comfortable. Depending on the extent of the procedure, your medical history, and your preferences, treatment may be performed with local anesthesia, laughing gas, IV sedation, or a combination of these options.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed beneath it. If an implant is being placed at the same time, the implant is positioned into the prepared site. The area is then closed with stitches and allowed to heal.
The procedure is carefully planned to protect the sinus membrane and create a stable foundation for implant treatment.
What is the Bone Graft made of?
Bone graft material used for sinus lift procedures can come from several sources. We use a variety of carefully processed graft materials designed specifically for dental bone grafting, and typically mix this with PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) which we make from your own blood.
The graft acts as a scaffold. Over time, your body remodels the area and gradually replaces or incorporates the graft with your own bone.
We will explain the type of graft material we recommend and why it is appropriate for your procedure.
What is Recovery like after a Sinus Lift?
Recovery after a sinus lift is usually very manageable, but it is important to follow the post-operative instructions carefully.
Some soreness, swelling, bruising, and mild bleeding are normal for the first few days. Because the procedure involves the sinus area, you may also feel some pressure or fullness in the cheek or upper jaw.
After a sinus lift, we will ask you to follow a special set of instructions called Sinus Precautions. These include, but are not limited to:
- Avoiding nose blowing
- Sneezing with your mouth open
- Avoiding straws
- Avoiding smoking or vaping
- Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise early in healing
- Taking medications exactly as prescribed
- Eating soft foods for the first few days
- Keeping follow-up appointments as recommended
These precautions help protect the sinus membrane and bone graft while the area begins to heal. We will provide you with a complete list of these restrictions during your consultation visit.
How long does healing take?
Healing time depends on the amount of grafting needed and whether the implant was placed at the same time.
If the implant is placed with the sinus lift, the implant still needs time to integrate with the bone before it can be restored by your dentist. This commonly takes several months.
If the sinus lift is performed first, the graft usually needs time to mature before implant placement. In many cases, this healing period is several months, depending on the size of the graft and your individual healing.
We will give you a clear timeline based on your specific treatment plan.
Is a Sinus Lift Safe?
When properly planned and performed, a sinus lift is a well-established and very predictable procedure.
As with any surgery, there are possible risks, including pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, delayed healing, sinus membrane perforation, graft failure, sinus congestion, or the need for additional treatment.
The most common intraoperative issue is a small tear in the sinus membrane. If this occurs, it can often be managed at the time of surgery, but in some cases the procedure may need to be modified or staged.
Careful imaging, surgical experience, and good post-operative care help reduce these risks.
Will a Sinus Lift Affect My Sinuses or Breathing?
In most cases, a sinus lift does not affect breathing or long-term sinus function.
The procedure is performed in the lower portion of the maxillary sinus, where bone is needed for implant support. The sinus membrane is lifted gently, and the graft is placed beneath it.
If you have a history of chronic sinus infections, significant sinus disease, nasal obstruction, or prior sinus surgery, we will review this carefully. In some cases, medical clearance or evaluation by an ENT may be recommended before proceeding.
Why choose Schiffman Oral Surgery?
Sinus lift procedures require careful planning, experience with dental implant surgery, and a detailed understanding of the relationship between the upper jaw and the maxillary sinus.
At Schiffman Oral Surgery, we regularly perform dental implant and bone grafting procedures, including sinus lifts for patients who have been told they do not have enough bone for implants.
Our goal is to make the process clear, comfortable, and predictable. We will review your imaging, explain your options in plain English, and coordinate with your restorative dentist to help create the best foundation for your implant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maxillary Sinus Lift
Is a sinus lift the same as a sinus surgery?
No. A sinus lift is an oral surgery bone grafting procedure used to build bone for dental implants. It is not the same as sinus surgery performed by an ENT to treat sinus disease.
Why is the sinus involved with dental implants?
The maxillary sinus sits above the upper back teeth. When those teeth are removed, there may not be enough bone between the mouth and the sinus to support an implant. A sinus lift adds bone beneath the sinus so an implant can be placed safely.
Does a sinus lift hurt?
The procedure itself should not hurt. We make sure the area is numb, and sedation options are available for patients who want to be more relaxed and comfortable.
Can the implant be placed at the same time as the sinus lift?
Sometimes. If there is enough existing bone to stabilize the implant, the implant may be placed at the same time. If not, the sinus lift is usually done first, and the implant is placed after the graft heals.
How long after a sinus lift can I get an implant?
If the implant is not placed at the same time as the sinus lift, implant placement is usually considered after several months of healing. The exact timing depends on the amount of grafting needed and your individual healing.
Will I feel sinus pressure afterward?
Some patients feel mild pressure or fullness in the cheek or upper jaw after the procedure. This usually improves as healing progresses.
Can I blow my nose after a sinus lift?
Usually, you should avoid blowing your nose for a period of time after a sinus lift. If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open. We will give you specific instructions based on your procedure.
What foods should I eat after a sinus lift?
Soft foods are usually best for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, sharp, or very hot foods that could irritate the surgical area.
What should I do if I was told I do not have enough bone for an implant?
Schedule a consultation at Schiffman Oral Surgery. We can review your x-rays or take a 3D scan, explain whether a sinus lift is needed, and discuss the best plan for replacing your missing tooth.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been told you need a sinus lift or do not have enough bone for an upper back dental implant, call 516-569-1111 to schedule a consultation. You will be examined in our state of the art private office in Woodmere, NY and a custom, personalized treatment plan will be tailored to suit your specific desires and needs.
Dr. Leonard Schiffman and Dr. Michael Schiffman offer oral surgery services to the Five Towns in Long Island, New York and surrounding towns on the South Shore of Nassau County including Woodmere NY • Hewlett NY • Cedarhurst NY • Valley Stream NY • Woodsburgh NY • Lawrence NY • Inwood NY • Far Rockaway NY • Lynbrook NY • Oceanside NY • Rockville Centre NY