Create a Strong Foundation for Upper Jaw Implants
Patients who have lost teeth in the upper back jaw often lack the bone height needed for dental implant placement. As the sinus cavity expands after tooth loss, the available bone between the sinus floor and the jaw ridge decreases. A sinus lift restores this bone so implants can be placed securely.
At Queensboro Oral Surgery in Fresh Meadows, our oral surgeons perform sinus lift procedures with careful attention to your anatomy and comfort. IV sedation is available for patients who prefer a relaxed experience. The procedure is a well-established step in preparing for dental implants in the upper jaw.
Call 718-263-7400 to find out if a sinus lift is part of your implant treatment plan.
- Insufficient bone height in the upper back jaw
- Sinus expansion after tooth loss
- Preparation for upper jaw dental implants
- Bone augmentation using graft material
Why the Upper Jaw Loses Bone After Tooth Loss
The upper back jaw has a unique anatomy. The maxillary sinus sits directly above the roots of the upper molars and premolars. When these teeth are lost, the sinus cavity can gradually expand downward into the space the roots once occupied, reducing the available bone height.
Without adequate bone height, dental implants cannot be placed securely. A sinus lift addresses this by gently elevating the sinus membrane and filling the space with bone graft material, creating the foundation implants need.
Can a Sinus Lift Be Combined with Implant Placement?
In some cases, when there is enough existing bone to stabilize the implant, the sinus lift and implant placement can be performed simultaneously. This combined approach reduces the overall treatment timeline and the number of surgical visits.
Your surgeon evaluates your bone volume during treatment planning and determines whether a single-stage or two-stage approach is best for your situation. Advanced imaging provides precise measurements to guide this decision.
What to Expect During a Sinus Lift
Consultation and Imaging
Your surgeon takes advanced imaging to evaluate the height and density of your upper jawbone and the position of the sinus cavity.
Sinus Membrane Elevation
A small opening is made in the upper jawbone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward to create space for the bone graft.
Bone Graft Placement
Bone graft material is placed in the space beneath the elevated sinus membrane. The surgical site is closed, and healing begins.
Healing and Implant Planning
The graft matures over several months. Follow-up imaging confirms when the bone is ready to support dental implant placement.
Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery
Enables Upper Jaw Implants
A sinus lift builds the bone volume needed for secure implant placement in areas where the sinus has expanded after tooth loss.
Performed In-House
Our oral surgeons perform sinus lift procedures in our office, providing continuity from bone augmentation through implant placement.
Comfortable Experience
Local anesthesia and IV sedation keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Proven Technique
Sinus lift is a well-established procedure with a long track record of supporting successful dental implant outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Sinus Lift for Dental Implants?
Schedule a consultation at Queensboro Oral Surgery in Fresh Meadows, NY to learn whether a sinus lift can help prepare your upper jaw for implants.