by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MorePlanning for dental implants is an exciting step toward restoring your smile, especially if you are missing teeth in the upper back jaw. However, the success of implants in this area often depends on the quantity and quality of your natural bone. In certain cases, your periodontist may recommend a sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, before moving forward with implant placement. Understanding when this procedure is needed, why it is performed, and what the process involves can help you approach your dental care with confidence.
The upper jaw, particularly near the molars and premolars, is separated from the maxillary sinus by only a thin layer of bone. When teeth in this region are lost—whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or trauma—the bone naturally begins to shrink in both height and density. In addition, the sinus cavity itself can gradually expand into the space once occupied by the roots of the teeth. The result is less available bone to support dental implants.
This anatomical reality can create challenges when planning implant treatment. For a dental implant to be successful and long-lasting, it needs to be anchored in strong, healthy bone. When the bone beneath the sinus is too thin, the implant may not have sufficient support, and there is also a risk of the implant intruding into the sinus cavity.
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is a specialized procedure designed to address this problem. During a sinus lift, the periodontist gently lifts the membrane lining the sinus upward and places bone graft material into the area just below it. Over time, this grafted bone integrates with your existing jawbone, increasing both height and density so that a dental implant can be safely and securely placed.
There are several common reasons why a sinus augmentation is recommended before placing implants:
Significant Bone Loss
The most frequent reason for a sinus lift is significant bone loss in the upper jaw. This bone loss can be the result of long-term tooth absence, periodontal disease, infection, or the natural resorption that occurs after extractions.
Low or Enlarged Sinus
Some individuals have naturally larger or lower-lying sinus cavities, making the amount of available bone too small for standard dental implants.
Multiple Missing Teeth
When replacing several teeth with implants in the upper back jaw, more bone may be required to ensure every implant is supported properly. In these cases, a sinus lift may be part of the comprehensive treatment plan.
Improving Long-Term Outcomes
Ensuring that implants are anchored in sufficient bone dramatically reduces the risks of failure, shifting, or complications over time. A sinus augmentation helps create the optimal environment for lasting results.
The sinus lift procedure is typically done in the office with local anesthesia, and sedation can be offered for patient comfort. After numbing the area, the periodontist creates a small access point in the bone near where the implant will be placed. The sinus membrane is gently lifted upward, and bone graft material is placed into the new space created below the sinus.
The type of bone graft used may be from your own body, a donor, animal-derived, or synthetic. Dr. Baroudi selects the best option based on your medical needs and preferences.
After a sinus augmentation, your body needs time to grow new bone in the treated area. This process can take several months, often between four and nine months, depending on the extent of the graft and individual healing factors. During this time, you’ll be asked to avoid activities that increase pressure in the sinus, such as forceful nose blowing or heavy lifting.
You may experience mild swelling, stuffiness, or tenderness in the area, but these symptoms are generally manageable and resolve within days. Dr. Baroudi will provide detailed instructions to ensure your comfort and proper healing.
The timing of dental implant placement depends on your unique case. In some situations, if the existing bone is still substantial, the implant and sinus lift can be performed during the same appointment. More commonly, however, the sinus lift is completed first and allowed to heal before the implant is placed several months later. Advanced imaging and careful monitoring help your periodontist determine when the bone is ready to safely support your new implant.
Not every patient who receives dental implants in the upper jaw will need a sinus augmentation. To decide, your periodontist will use detailed X-rays or 3D imaging to measure the amount of bone present and assess the position and size of your sinus. If the scans reveal inadequate bone height, your provider will explain why a sinus lift is recommended and discuss how it fits into your overall treatment plan.
Yes, sinus augmentation is a routine and well-established procedure in implant dentistry, especially for patients who are missing upper molars or premolars and have experienced bone loss.
When performed by an experienced periodontist, sinus augmentation does not negatively impact sinus health. The procedure is designed to avoid damage to the sinus lining, and complications are rare.
Most patients describe mild discomfort, swelling, or sinus congestion, but significant pain is uncommon. Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief is usually sufficient to manage symptoms.
Risks include sinus membrane perforation, infection, or graft failure, but these are minimized when the surgery is performed by a skilled periodontist and appropriate imaging is used for planning.
If your bone height is adequate, you may not need a sinus augmentation. Your periodontist will thoroughly evaluate your jaw to determine the best path for your implant treatment.
The decision to undergo a sinus lift before dental implants is based on careful analysis of your oral anatomy and future needs. When a sinus augmentation is recommended, it provides the strong, stable foundation needed for your new teeth to function and look their best for years to come. Advances in digital imaging, bone grafting materials, and minimally invasive surgical techniques make today’s sinus lifts more comfortable and predictable than ever.
By working closely with a knowledgeable periodontist, you can ensure your implant journey is safe, efficient, and tailored to your individual smile.
