Sinus Lift

What Is A Sinus Lift?

There are two different ways to perform a sinus lift, depending on how much bone grafting is needed. A closed, or vertical, sinus lift is completed with specialized instruments that gently push the sinus membrane up while preparing the space for the implant to go. An open, or lateral window, sinus lift is completed by making a small opening in the side of your gums so that we can gently move the sinus membrane out of the way with hand instruments to create more space for bone graft. An implant may or may not be placed at the same time as an open sinus lift, depending on the clinical situation. In both cases, the area that is receiving treatment will be thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia. After we ensure you are comfortable, we will make small incisions at the surgical site and gently move the gums out of the way. The sinus membrane is lifted, bone graft placed, and implants placed (if possible). The gums are then replaced to cover the site and secured with stitches.

We offer multiple sedation options for surgical procedures, if needed.

Graft Materials

Bone graft materials are obtained in several ways, most often from cows, pigs, or human cadavers. The donors have no positive history of known systemic disease, and blood tests are negative for any infections. The grafts are extensively tested for bacterial contaminants and processed under strict laboratory conditions known to kill all bacteria and viruses, under experimental conditions. The graft material is placed in a vacuum-sealed sterile container until it is ready to be opened during surgery. All materials used are FDA approved.

During the procedure, we also draw a small amount of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate out all the good growth factors that your body naturally produces. We mix those growth factors in with the bone graft before placing it in the socket. This additional step helps to significantly enhance healing.

Treatment Timeline

Visit 1: Consult & Exam

Review of health history and determine diagnosis
Review recommended treatment plan and answer all questions

Visit 2: Sinus Lift (w/ or w/o Implant Placement)

Sedation (optional) and local anesthesia
Completion of surgical procedure for sinus lift and implant placement
Review post-op instructions and care

Visit 3: Post-op (3 weeks)

Check the area for normal healing
Remove sutures
Review and update home care instructions
Additional post-op appointments may be scheduled as necessary, based on healingNote: You may not see the doctor at your post-op appointment, but they are always available to answer any question if you need. Do not hesitate to ask!