Sinus Lift

One of the essential requirements for dental implant candidates is having sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. If this condition is not met, a sinus lift surgery is performed to prepare the upper jaw for implant placement. This procedure increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw by adding graft material beneath the sinus membrane, ensuring the jawbone is strong enough to hold the implant securely.

How Sinus Lift Surgery Is Performed

Dental implants are a reliable and popular solution for replacing missing teeth. Before the procedure, imaging such as X-rays or CT scans is done to assess the condition of the jawbone. If the bone is insufficient to support implants, the specialist will recommend sinus lift surgery.

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located above the upper jaw. During a sinus lift, bone graft material is placed into the sinus cavity, which requires gently raising the sinus membrane. This added bone volume strengthens the area for future implant placement, typically in the premolar and molar regions.

The main goal of sinus lift surgery is to create sufficient bone height and density so that implants can be placed safely and with long-term stability.

Types of Sinus Lift Surgery

The procedure can be performed in two main ways, depending on the degree of bone loss and the patient’s anatomy:

1. Open Sinus Lift

This is the most common and widely used method. The surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone, then opens a small window in the bone to insert bone graft material beneath the lifted sinus membrane. After grafting, the area is sutured and allowed to heal for 4–6 months before implant placement.
While effective, this method may cause temporary swelling and bruising in the face and neck.

2. Closed Sinus Lift

This is a less invasive approach in which the bone graft is placed through the same opening made for the dental implant. The gum tissue remains largely intact, and bone material is inserted using specialized tools. Implants can often be placed on the same day or shortly after the grafting procedure.

Steps of Sinus Lift Surgery

1. Examination and Imaging
   The specialist evaluates the patient’s oral health using digital imaging, including cone-beam CT scans, to measure bone height and sinus anatomy.
2. Gum Incision
   After numbing the area, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone.
3. Bone Access
   A small opening is created in the bone to access the sinus floor.
4. Bone Grafting and Suturing
   The sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is inserted. The incision is then closed with sutures. Healing takes approximately 4–6 months, after which the implant can be placed.

Dr. Alireza Jahangirnia, an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, performs sinus lift surgeries with precision, ensuring optimal results for patients preparing for dental implants.

Sources of Bone Graft Material

The surgeon determines the best source for bone graft material based on individual needs. There are three main types:

• Autogenous Bone Graft: Bone is taken from the patient’s own body (e.g., jaw, hip, or chin).
• Allogenic Bone Graft: Bone is sourced from a human donor.
• Xenograft: Bone powder derived from bovine sources.

Conclusion

Dental implant placement is one of the most effective and lasting treatments for missing teeth. However, if the upper jawbone lacks sufficient height or density, sinus lift surgery is necessary to build up the bone.
By grafting bone material into the sinus cavity, the procedure creates the right foundation for secure, long-lasting dental implants—restoring both function and aesthetics with advanced surgical precision.