When there is not enough bone in the upper jaw, placing dental implants may become more difficult. In these situations, a sinus lift and bone graft may be recommended to improve bone volume and support future implant placement.
This guide explains what the procedure involves, why it may be needed, and what patients can expect during recovery.
What Is A Sinus Lift And Bone Graft?
A sinus lift is a procedure involving bone grafting in the upper jaw. It is commonly performed in the area of the molars and premolars, where the maxillary sinuses are located above the tooth roots.
Over time, missing teeth can contribute to bone deficiency and lower bone height in the jawbone. When this happens, there may not be enough available bone to support dental implants properly.
During sinus augmentation, the sinus membrane is carefully moved upward to create more space for bone graft material. This process is also referred to as sinus elevation and sinus expansion.
The goal is to encourage new bone formation and improve the amount of existing bone in the area.
Why A Sinus Lift May Be Needed
Several factors can affect the amount of bone available in the upper jaw.
Common Reasons For Bone Loss
Bone loss may happen because of:
- Missing teeth over a long period
- Natural changes in the jaw
- Previous infection or dental problems
- The position of the sinus cavity
Without enough bone, implant placement may not be stable enough for long-term support.
How The Sinus Lift Procedure Works
Sinus lift surgery is considered a surgical procedure and is usually completed as part of oral surgery planning before implants are placed.
Accessing The Sinus Area
During the procedure, a dentist creates a small window in the side of the upper jaw. This allows access to the sinus area.
The sinus membrane is then carefully separated and gently lifted upward using gentle pressure. Once space is created, graft material is placed underneath the membrane.
Types Of Bone Graft Material
Types Of Bone Graft MaterialThe bone graft may include:
- Synthetic bone
- Natural bone graft material
- Other bone graft material chosen for the situation
Over time, the graft supports new bone formation in the area.
Internal Sinus Lift
In some cases, an internal sinus lift may be used. This approach is less extensive and may be suitable when only a small increase in bone height is needed.
Healing And Recovery
The healing period after sinus lift surgery is important because the graft material needs time to combine with the surrounding bone.
What Patients May Notice
After surgery, patients may experience:
- Mild swelling
- Minor bleeding
- Discomfort around the surgical area
- Temporary sinus pressure
Postoperative instructions are provided to help reduce infection risk and support healing.
Most discomfort and pain improve gradually over the first several days.
Possible Risks And Considerations
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with a sinus lift and bone graft.
Possible complications may include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Movement of the graft material
- Irritation involving the sinus membrane
Careful planning and following instructions during recovery help reduce these risks.
When Dental Implants May Be Placed
In some cases, dental implants may be placed during the same procedure when enough bone is available. In other cases, implant placement is delayed until healing is complete and new bone has developed.
The timing depends on the amount of bone available and how much bone support is needed for the implants.
If you are concerned about bone loss in the upper jaw or would like support with preparing for dental implants, you can book a consultation with us at Dental 266 or call 02 9051 0600 to discuss your situation and appropriate care options.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
“Colgate (n.d.). ‘Sinus Lift Surgery: Answering Common Questions’. Colgate. New York, NY: Colgate-Palmolive Company. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/sinus-lift”
“Cleveland Clinic (2024). ‘Dental Bone Graft’. Cleveland Clinic, 6 August. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft”
