Sinus Lift
When it comes to replacing upper molars with dental implants, one of the biggest challenges isn't what you see—it's what lies above the jawline. The upper back jaw often lacks the bone height needed to anchor an implant securely, especially after tooth loss. That’s where a sinus augmentation, more commonly known as a sinus lift in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, and Wenatchee WA becomes an essential part of your treatment plan.
It’s a procedure that might not get much attention, but it can be the reason an implant succeeds instead of fails. As oral surgeons, we’re here to make that success possible—safely, predictably, and with your long-term health in mind.
What Exactly Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure designed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, right beneath the sinus cavity. This is usually done to create enough space and support for a dental implant.
To do this, we gently elevate the sinus membrane and insert bone graft material into the space underneath it. Over time, your body naturally incorporates this graft material into the jawbone, creating a denser and taller section of bone that’s ready to hold an implant.
Think of it like renovating a ceiling so you can build a stronger floor underneath it. We're not changing the shape of your sinus—we're simply reclaiming the space that bone loss may have taken away.
Why Is This Procedure Sometimes Necessary?
Most people assume once a tooth is missing, the biggest concern is aesthetics or chewing ability. But there’s something else happening silently: bone resorption. When there’s no tooth to stimulate the bone in that area, it begins to shrink in both height and thickness.
In the upper back jaw, this bone sits just below the sinus cavity. As bone loss occurs, the sinus expands downward into that space, further reducing the available room for an implant. So when we attempt to place an implant without addressing this, it could breach the sinus or fail to integrate properly.
Here are a few reasons we might recommend a sinus lift:
- You’ve had missing upper molars for several years
- You naturally have a shallow upper jawbone
- Bone was lost due to periodontal disease
- A previous implant attempt was unsuccessful due to lack of bone
Our goal is always to minimize complications and maximize long-term success. A sinus lift helps us do exactly that.
How Do We Determine If You Need One?
We use advanced 3D imaging—usually a CBCT scan—to evaluate the height and density of the bone in your upper jaw. This allows us to precisely measure the distance between your oral cavity and your sinus floor.
If the bone depth is less than what’s required for stable implant placement (typically under 5mm), then a sinus lift is often the recommended next step.
This isn’t a decision we make lightly. Every recommendation is based on your unique anatomy, and we’ll walk you through exactly what we see and why we’re suggesting it.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The sinus lift is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on your comfort preferences. The procedure is precise, planned, and typically completed in about an hour.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:
Accessing the jawbone: We make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
- Creating space: A tiny window is created in the bone to access the sinus membrane.
- Lifting the membrane: The sinus lining is gently raised, creating room for the bone graft.
- Placing the graft: Bone material—either synthetic, donor-based, or from your own body—is inserted into the newly created space.
- Sealing the site: The area is sutured, and your body takes over the healing process.
Depending on your case, we may place the dental implant during this procedure or wait until the bone has fully healed and solidified.
What’s the Healing Process Like?
Recovery is generally smooth. Most patients report mild pressure or swelling for a few days, similar to sinus congestion or a dull ache. Serious discomfort is rare.
During your recovery, we’ll provide detailed instructions to help protect the surgical site and encourage proper healing. These typically include:
- Avoiding heavy lifting or nose-blowing
- Eating soft foods and staying hydrated
- Using prescribed medications as directed
- Attending follow-up visits to monitor healing
Bone integration takes time—usually between 4 to 9 months—before the area is ready for implant placement, though in some cases, the implant may be placed simultaneously if conditions allow.
Long-Term Benefits of a Sinus Lift
So, is all this really worth it?
Absolutely—if you're aiming for a dental implant that’s built to last. Without enough bone, implants in the upper jaw have a much higher risk of failure. With a sinus lift, you’re not just gaining more bone—you’re gaining confidence in the outcome.
Long-term benefits include:
- A stronger foundation for implant stability
- Lower risk of sinus complications
- Improved facial structure and bone volume
- Restoration of full oral function with fewer setbacks
In short, a sinus lift may be the extra step that ensures your implant performs like a natural tooth—for decades to come.
Answering Your Top Sinus Lift Questions
Will this change the way I breathe or affect my sinuses permanently?
Nope. The sinus membrane is flexible and resilient. Once healed, your breathing and sinus function will be exactly as they were before—or better, since we’re avoiding potential future complications.Is the bone graft safe?
Yes. We use thoroughly vetted, biocompatible materials—whether it’s your own bone, a donor source, or synthetic. These materials integrate safely and predictably with your natural anatomy.Can I skip this and just try an implant anyway?
If you don’t have the required bone volume, skipping this step increases the risk of implant failure. In many cases, attempting to place an implant without the necessary support simply won’t work.How soon can I go back to normal activities?
Most patients return to work and light activities within a couple of days. Just avoid anything that causes sinus pressure (like flying or heavy lifting) for a week or two.
Let’s Take the Next Step—Together
We know that hearing you need a sinus lift might raise a few questions or concerns. That’s perfectly normal. Our job is to make sure you fully understand what’s involved and feel confident every step of the way.
Whether you’re just starting your implant journey or exploring your options after bone loss, our teams in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, and Wenatchee WA is ready to evaluate your case and guide you toward the best outcome. No guesswork. No surprises. Just the expert care you deserve—and a smile that’s built to last.
