DentalSelect

Sinus Lift.
Make sense of your upper-jaw implant plan.

If there is limited bone beneath the sinus, implant treatment may involve extra planning. Understand why a sinus lift is proposed before agreeing to the next stage.

Illustration accompanying the Sinus Lift guide

Start with what matters to you.

I have sinus problems.

Tell the clinician about symptoms, previous sinus surgery and medical treatment before planning.

I want to understand the extra time.

Ask whether implants will be placed at the same visit or after a separate healing period.

I would prefer less surgery.

Ask which alternative replacement plans are suitable and why this approach is recommended.

Understanding Sinus Lift.

A sinus lift adds bone beneath the air space above your upper back teeth. The lining of this space is gently raised so bone-building material can be placed underneath. It may be recommended when there is not enough bone height for an implant.

A small space with an important role.

The Location

Above the Upper Back Teeth

The sinus sits above this part of the jaw. Available bone can limit an implant plan.

The Procedure

Space for a Graft

A sinus lift creates room beneath the sinus membrane for graft material. Ask about the technique and material.

The Next Stage

Implants & Healing

Implants may be placed at the same stage or later. Ask when the site will be reassessed.

What Happens During Treatment.

Your dentist confirms the stages and timing for your own treatment plan.

  1. Assessment and Scans

    The dentist assesses the bone and planned replacement teeth. Relevant scans help decide whether extra bone is needed and which approach is suitable.

  2. Agree the Procedure

    Discuss the source of graft material, risks, costs and whether implants can be placed at the same visit or later.

  3. Place the Graft

    The surgeon gently raises the lining of the air space above the upper back teeth and places graft material beneath it. This creates more depth for a future implant. Follow the specific sinus precautions you are given.

  4. Heal and Reassess

    Follow wound-care instructions and attend checks. New bone needs time to develop before the next stage of implant treatment, which may take months.

The exact appointments and recovery time depend on your assessment and the treatment agreed with your dentist.

Your Options with This Treatment.

  1. Sinus Lift with Implant Placement

    May be possible in selected cases.

    Ask what makes same-stage treatment suitable.

  2. Staged Sinus Lift

    Grafting and healing before implant placement.

    Ask when the site will be reassessed.

  3. Alternative Tooth Replacement

    A different implant approach, bridge or denture may be discussed.

    Compare surgery, function and maintenance.

Things to Consider.

Risks include damage to the sinus membrane, infection and graft failure. Follow the clinician’s specific recovery instructions and ask which symptoms need urgent contact. Mention sinus symptoms before treatment.

Your Sinus Lift questions.

Is a Sinus Lift needed for lower-jaw implants?

No. This procedure concerns the upper jaw beneath the sinus.

Will it delay my final teeth?

It may add a healing stage. Ask for a realistic sequence, including temporary teeth.

Can I fly or play sport afterwards?

Ask your surgeon for instructions specific to your procedure before making plans.

General information, not personal dental advice. DentalSelect helps you compare practices and explore options. A treating dentist assesses suitability and confirms your treatment, risks and costs.

Sources & editorial information

Clinical review pending. This guide supports a conversation with a dental professional; it does not assess your individual suitability. DentalSelect helps you find practices and make enquiries. Your treating dental team confirms suitability, treatment and costs.

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