The quality and quantity of the bone where the implant will be inserted is crucial for its success. The upper back jaw is usually a challenging area to place dental implants because of the lack of adequate bone and the closeness to the sinus. If you have lost bone in that area due to periodontal disease or tooth loss, you may not have enough bone to support implants.

Sinus lift surgery, also called sinus augmentation, can solve this problem by raising the sinus floor and creating bone for the implant placement. There are different methods to lift the sinus and allow new bone to grow.

One common method is to make a cut in the gum to reveal the bone. Then a small hole is drilled into the bone. This piece of bone is pushed up into the sinus space, like a trap door, and the gap below is filled with bone graft material. Your periodontist can tell you about the different types of bone graft materials, which can restore lost bone and tissue.

After that, the cut is stitched and healing begins. Depending on your situation, the bone may need from four to 12 months to develop before implants can be inserted. After the implants are inserted, more healing time is needed. In some cases, though, the implant can be inserted at the same time as the sinus is lifted.

Sinus lift surgery has proven to increase the chances of successful implants that can last for a long time. Many patients feel little pain during this procedure.