What is a Dental Sinus Lift?

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What is a Dental Sinus Lift?


Has your dentist mentioned a dental sinus lift?

Commonly called a sinus augmentation, a sinus lift is a surgical procedure that allows a dentist to add bone to areas of the jaw that are lacking. During the surgical procedure, the dentist will also add bone to the maxillary sinuses.

For the dentist to ensure that there is enough room for this additional bone, they will lift the sinus membrane. The sinus lift procedure essentially raises the sinus floor, correcting any bone loss problems.

Why would someone need a dental sinus lift?

A sinus lift is necessary when you do not have enough bone. This is often due to tooth loss, gum disease and not having enough room in the mouth. Most people undergo this procedure before receiving a dental implant. They need enough jawbone for the implant to attach to their mouth.

An anchor will serve as the artificial root for the replacement tooth. Sometimes, tooth loss and bone deterioration happen at the same time. In this case, you might need a dental sinus lift before receiving your tooth.

Who is a candidate for a sinus lift procedure?

A sinus lift is a surgery, so dentists take some precaution not to jeopardize your health. For you to be considered a good candidate for undergoing the sinus lift surgical procedure, you must be in overall good health. You must also be missing more than one tooth in the back of the jaw and have a diagnosis stating that you are missing a significant amount of jawbone.

How is the sinus lift surgical process performed?

A dental surgeon will make a small incision in the area in need to expose the jawbone. They will create an opening in the jawbone where they plan to attach the new bone. This additional bone will either come directly from the patient, from a donated party or made from a synthetic material. If the surgeon is using your bones, then you will also need a bone graft. However, many dentists prefer to use a synthetic material for simplicity and ease on the patient’s body.

After the new jawbone is added, the patient will receive a few stitches and begin healing. You will likely receive antibiotics and pain medication. Expect some swelling and tenderness around the surgical site.

It will take many months for the area to heal properly. Once the new bone heals and integrates with the jaw, the dentist will insert the implant. Finally, the dentist can attach the artificial tooth to the implant, and you will be good as new.

Do you have questions?

This might sound complicated, but dental offices deal with procedures like this all the time. Speak with your dentist to learn more about receiving a dental sinus lift.

If you do not have a dentist, we can help. Please call us and share any questions or hesitation you may have. Our team handles many cases, so can best guide you along the process.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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