Sinus lift is a surgical procedure which aims to increase the amount of bone needed for implant embedding. If a longer period of time has passed since tooth loss in the posterior part of the jaw, bone loss can also occur. The sinus, loosing the bones that keeps it in its original position, begins to spread occupying the empty space that once was bone. Without a sufficient amount of bone, it is impossible to place an implant. However, if the sinuses are lowered, it is necessary to do the sinus floor elevation or sinus lift.

The goal of the procedure is to fill the part of the sinus cavity with biomaterials that will eventually integrate with the surrounding bone and creating a solid foundation for future implants. The sinus partially filled will not have any negative effects on the physiological functions of the sinuses and the health of the patient.

Depending on the amount of available bone, the sinus lifts is divided into:

Small sinus lift
Large sinus lift

Small sinus lift

This technique is performed simultaneously with the implant placing. The surgery is performed when we have enough bone to place the implant. Using a small instrument, the doctor will raise the bottom of the sinus to its original position. Then, artificial bone is placed as a transplant material beneath the raised sinus floor along the existing bone. Besides stimulating the creation of new bone, the transplant will, keep the sinus at the required height, after which the implant can be fitted. Without this procedure, it is sometimes impossible to place an implant.

The sinus lift is done under local anesthesia making the procedure completely painless.

Large sinus lift

When the bone is severely deficient the sinus lift is carried out through a lateral access of the oral cavity. If there is sufficient bone available, the implant placement is carried out the same day. Sometimes, in cases of a larger bone deficiency, implants are placed later on when full bone regeneration occurs.