Sinus Lift
Your path to a confident smile can start with a sinus lift. This gentle treatment adds bone to your upper jaw, building a strong base for dental implants. At Westshore Periodontics & Dental Implants, you’re guided by experts who put your needs first.
Contact Us
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, increases the bone height in the back of your upper jaw to support dental implants. We gently move the sinus membrane upward and add bone graft material to this area. When you do not have enough natural bone, this process allows for secure dental implant placement so you can smile and eat with renewed confidence.
Why You May Need a Sinus Lift
The upper jaw often has less bone, and it sits close to your sinus cavity. Loss of teeth, periodontal disease, or natural changes can shrink your bone height. Without enough bone, implants can’t be placed safely. Some patients also have conditions like maxillary sinusitis or were born with less bone in this area. A sinus lift creates space and prevents damage to the sinus membrane for a healthy foundation.
How a Sinus Lift Works
Our team helps you feel comfortable and informed for your day in the office. We start by numbing the area so you stay relaxed. Next, a small incision is made in the gum. We make a tiny window in the bone to reach the sinus floor, gently lift the sinus membrane, and fill the space below with bone graft material. Stitches carefully close the site, starting the healing process. Over months, new bone forms to anchor your implant.
Sinus Lift Techniques
We choose the approach that best fits your needs:
- Lateral Window Technique for major bone loss, often with implants placed after healing
- Crestal Technique for patients with some existing bone, often with implants placed at the same time
- Recovery can take from 4 to 12 months, depending on your body’s response.
Bone Graft Materials
You have options when it comes to the materials used for bone grafting, such as:
- Autografts: Your own bone
- Allografts: Human donor
- Xenografts: Cow source
- Synthetic bone substitutes
Healing & Recovery
Taking care of yourself after a sinus lift sets the stage for great results. You may have some swelling or mild discomfort, but our instructions make recovery easier.
For smooth healing:
- Avoid blowing your nose for a few weeks
- Sneeze with your mouth open
- Take recommended medications as prescribed
Rest is important and we’re here to answer any questions during your recovery. Most patients return to their normal routine within a few days, and full bone healing usually takes several months.
Risks & Alternatives
Sinus lift treatment is safe, but like any procedure, there are small risks:
- Sinus membrane perforation
- Infection
- Graft displacement or failure
These issues are rare and mitigated well by our experienced team. If a sinus lift isn’t right for you, there are alternatives such as shorter or angled implants, zygomatic implants, or removable dentures.
Are You a Candidate?
We use advanced imaging, like CBCT scans, to evaluate your bone and sinus health. Personalized treatment planning means we design a safe, effective path just for you.
Benefits of a Sinus Lift
A sinus lift can:
- Allow you to enjoy secure, natural-looking dental implants
- Prevent further bone loss and support facial features
- Improve your ability to chew and speak with confidence
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for implants, you’re not out of options. Schedule your consultation with Westshore Periodontics & Dental Implants and take the next step toward a lasting, healthy smile.
Meet the Team Guiding Your Transformation
Our doctors and staff look forward to taking the time to get to know you. Here’s a quick introduction to our board-certified periodontists.
