Sinus Lift 101: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

When Joan came to Vegas Dental Experts for a free dental implant consultation, she was excited to take the next step toward a confident smile. After her exam and CBCT scan, she learned that she didn’t have quite enough bone in her upper jaw for a standard implant. At first, Joan worried that meant she was out of options, but that wasn’t the case! Dr. Chin reassured her that she was an ideal candidate for a sinus lift. This advanced, bone-building procedure opens the door for dental implants, even when bone is limited. With his unique experience and access to advanced implant systems, Dr. Chin was able to restore Joan’s smile comfortably, affordably, and in just one visit.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a common surgical procedure that often accompanies dental implant placement. If there isn’t enough bone near the sinus, this technique provides the support needed for a secure fit. During the procedure, Dr. Chin gently lifts the sinus membrane upward and places bone grafting material into the space beneath it. This added bone graft encourages new growth and strengthens the area for implants.

Think of it like building a fence: ideally, you want deep, sturdy soil (bone) to anchor the fence post (implant). But sometimes, the soil is too shallow because there’s an underground pipe (the sinus) just beneath the surface. A sinus lift adds extra “soil” (bone graft material) between the jaw and sinus, creating the depth needed to securely place the implant. Without this added support, the implant could extend into the sinus, increasing the risk of complications like infections or implant failure.

Who Needs a Sinus Lift?

You might need a sinus lift before implant placement if:

• You lost teeth in the upper jaw: Loss of molars or premolars can lead to bone resorption over time. This process means the bone shrinks, reducing the bone available for implant placement.
• Periodontal disease has weakened the bone: Gum disease can also cause the jawbone to deteriorate, making it insufficient for implants.
• You have certain anatomical features: Some people naturally have low sinuses, large sinus cavities, or thin upper jawbones. These genetic features leave less bone for implants.
• You’re a long-term denture or bridge user: Traditional dentures and dental bridges don’t replace the roots of missing teeth, so the jawbone misses out on important stimulation. Over time, this lack of stimulation can lead to bone loss.

For Joan, Dr. Chin performed a sinus lift because her sinus cavity was sitting too close to the jawbone, and the available bone was too thin.

The Surgical Technique

Not all sinus lifts are the same. Your bone level and the type of implant used help determine the best approach. Some patients need more extensive bone grafting to support dental implants. In these situations, Dr. Chin may use the “lateral window approach.” For this technique, Dr. Chin first numbs the treatment area with a local anesthetic. He then creates a small incision in the gum to expose the bone. By cutting a tiny “window” into the bone, he can access the sinus cavity.

Dr. Chin then gently lifts the sinus membrane using special instruments, creating space between the sinus and jawbone. He places bone graft material into this space, building up the area to provide a strong, stable foundation for future implants. Finally, he repositions the gum tissue and sutures the gums closed.

In some cases, Dr. Chin can lift the sinus, add bone graft material, and secure a dental implant in one visit!

What Is a Sinus Bump?

A sinus bump is a less invasive procedure used when there’s less bone missing in the upper jaw. For this procedure, Dr. Chin makes a small incision in the gum near the implant site, carefully lifts the sinus membrane through the implant socket, and places bone graft material underneath. In most instances, the dental implant can be placed at the same time. While both a sinus lift and a sinus bump increase bone height to support implants, a sinus bump is gentler, quicker, and less complex.

Dr. Chin prioritizes minimally invasive dentistry whenever possible, helping patients enjoy faster healing and a more comfortable experience.

Can I Get a Sinus Lift and Dental Implant in One Visit?

Yes! It’s possible to get a sinus lift and a dental implant in one visit, especially with IBS MagiCore® implants. These implants allow for minimally invasive placement because of their design features. They use a self-threading screw and need only minimal drilling, which helps preserve bone and gum tissue. Because they’re stable even in areas with limited bone, Dr. Chin can often lift the sinus, add a bone graft, and place the implant all in one visit. That’s exactly what he did for Joan!

This streamlined method means fewer surgeries, a faster recovery, and a shorter overall treatment timeline, so you can get back to smiling sooner.

A Sinus Lift Can Change Your Implant Options!

Like Joan, many patients are surprised to learn they can still get dental implants even with bone loss in the upper jaw. Thanks to advanced techniques like sinus lifts and innovative implant systems like IBS MagiCore®, Dr. Chin can rebuild lost support. In many cases, he can also place stable implants in a single, minimally invasive visit.

Whether you’ve been missing teeth for years or were recently told you’re not a candidate for implants, a customized solution may be within reach! Schedule a free consultation today at Vegas Dental Experts and discover how close you are to a strong, confident smile.