What Is a Sinus Lifting Procedure?
When there is insufficient bone height or thickness in the upper jaw (particularly in the posterior maxillary region), the sinus lifting (or sinus augmentation) procedure is used to create enough bone volume to support a dental implant.
This procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. A small opening is made in the gingiva (gum tissue) and a window is created in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. The sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) is gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the space between the lifted membrane and the underlying bone. The site is then closed with sutures.
The sinus lift procedure typically takes around 45 minutes. Its primary purpose is to increase bone height in the upper jaw, either by augmenting existing bone or stimulating new bone formation through grafting. Once healing is complete, the newly formed bone provides adequate density and volume for secure implant placement.
Why Is Sinus Lifting Necessary?
In some cases, sinus lifting is essential to ensure the long-term success and stability of dental implants. Bone loss in the upper jaw often occurs due to tooth loss, periodontal disease, or natural resorption over time, making implant placement difficult or impossible without bone augmentation.
Thanks to bone grafting, it is possible to restore sufficient bone volume in areas where bone is deficient. The grafting material used may be:
In most cases, the required bone volume is achieved by placing the graft into the sinus cavity, enabling secure and predictable implant placement in the future.
