What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is a bone augmentation procedure specific to the upper jaw that addresses insufficient bone depth in the area beneath the maxillary sinus. During the surgery, a dentist or oral surgeon elevates the sinus membrane (the soft tissue lining the sinus cavity) and fills the space underneath with bone graft material. This added bone height allows implant fixtures to be anchored securely where natural tooth roots would have been.

The upper posterior jaw commonly requires this procedure because the sinus cavity occupies space that would normally hold bone. When teeth are missing or have been absent for years, the surrounding bone resorbs and the sinus floor may sit very close to the available implant site. Without sufficient bone volume, an implant cannot integrate properly or achieve the stability needed for long-term function.

Sinus lift differs from other bone grafting approaches used in different jaw areas. It targets a specific anatomical space and uses the sinus membrane itself as a guide and barrier. The grafted bone gradually consolidates over several months, creating new volume where the implant can be placed in a later phase or sometimes during the same visit if enough native bone remains.

Common indications include patients with posterior upper tooth loss who want implant-supported restoration but lack the vertical bone needed otherwise. Dental implant providers in Chicago can evaluate whether a sinus lift is necessary based on imaging and the implant's planned position.