Sinus Lift (Sinus bone graft)

The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities that are behind your cheeks and above the upper back teeth (molars and premolar teeth). After upper back teeth are removed, there may be inadequate height of bone to support a dental implant. In this situation, a sinus bone graft may be advised.

A sinus bone graft increases the quantity of bone in the upper jaw so that there is enough bone support for implants. The surgeon enters the sinus and a bone graft is inserted into the floor of the sinus. Sometimes there is sufficient existing bone to stabilize the implant so that the sinus bone graft and implant placement can be performed at the same appointment. If not enough bone is available, the sinus graft will have to be performed first and allowed to heal for several months, depending upon the type of graft material used. Once the graft has matured, the implants can be placed.