Sinus lift

Creating support
where anatomy requires it.

For some patients considering implants in the upper back jaw, available bone and the position of the sinus may affect planning. A sinus lift may create additional bone support when appropriate.

Understanding sinus lift treatment

Bone, anatomy,
and implant planning.

The maxillary sinuses are located above the upper back teeth. In this region, the height of available bone can sometimes be limited.

A sinus lift is a bone-grafting procedure used to increase available bone in that area when appropriate for future or concurrent implant treatment.

Why it may be recommended

When additional
support may be needed.

Missing upper teeth do not automatically mean sinus augmentation is necessary. Several factors are considered together.

01

Natural Anatomy

The relationship between the sinus and upper back jaw varies from person to person.

02

Changes After Tooth Loss

Available bone can change after an upper tooth has been missing.

03

Periodontal Bone Loss

Past or present periodontal changes may affect available support.

04

Planned Implant Position

The desired restoration and implant position help guide the need for site development.

Implant planning

Planning beyond
the implant itself.

Upper-jaw implant planning considers available bone, sinus anatomy, the desired implant position, restorative goals, and long-term support. Detailed three-dimensional imaging, often called CBCT imaging, can help evaluate these relationships.

Restorative-driven planning begins with the intended final restoration, helping guide decisions about implant position and whether sinus augmentation may be beneficial.

What to expect

A considered path
from planning to healing.

Treatment timing and implant placement are individualized to the clinical situation.

  1. 01

    Evaluation & Imaging

    Oral health, available bone, sinus anatomy, and treatment goals are reviewed.

  2. 02

    Treatment Planning

    The desired restoration helps guide implant position, bone support, and treatment sequence.

  3. 03

    Sinus Lift / Bone Grafting

    The upper-jaw site is treated according to the individualized plan.

  4. 04

    Healing

    The area is allowed to heal and mature as appropriate for the treatment performed.

  5. 05

    Implant Treatment / Next Steps

    Implant placement may occur at the same time in some situations or after healing in others.

The bone grafting connection

A specific form
of site development.

A sinus lift is a form of bone augmentation used for a particular anatomical area of the upper jaw. Like other grafting procedures, it is considered only when additional support may benefit the planned treatment.

Learn About Bone Grafting

Specialist care

Designed for precision.
Delivered with artistry.

Specialist-led sinus lift and implant planning is available at our Newtown practice for patients from Bucks County, Greater Philadelphia, and nearby New Jersey.

Meet Our Doctors

Sinus lift FAQ

Questions, answered
with clarity.

01

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is a form of bone grafting used to increase available bone in the upper back jaw when appropriate for implant treatment.

02

Why might a sinus lift be needed before dental implants?

The amount of available bone and position of the sinus can affect whether an implant can be placed with appropriate support in the planned restorative position.

03

Does everyone receiving upper dental implants need a sinus lift?

No. The need depends on individual anatomy, available bone, implant position, and the complete restorative plan.

04

Can an implant be placed at the same time as a sinus lift?

In some situations, yes. In others, healing may occur before implant placement. The sequence is determined after evaluation.

05

How do you determine whether I need a sinus lift?

Clinical evaluation and detailed three-dimensional imaging can help assess available bone, sinus anatomy, and the planned position of a future implant.

06

How long does a sinus lift take to heal?

Healing varies based on the extent of treatment, individual biology, and the overall implant plan. A patient-specific sequence is discussed after evaluation.

It starts with you

A thoughtful conversation
is a good place to begin.

An evaluation can clarify whether a sinus lift may be appropriate within your upper-jaw implant treatment plan.

638 Newtown Yardley Road
Suites 1C–1D
Newtown, PA 18940
Call (215) 968-9601