Sinus Augmentation

Sinus Augmentation, also known as a “sinus lift,” is necessary when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw for dental implants to be placed.  Sinus augmentation has become especially popular in the past 15 years as more and more people are getting dental implants to replace missing teeth.

A sinus augmentation, is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. The bone is added between the jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are on either side of one’s nose. To make room for the bone, the sinus membrane has to be moved upward, or "lifted", and the bone graft is then placed under the actual sinus. This procedure increases the height of the jawbone so that implants can be placed. Sometimes implants can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift (i.e. one stage procedure). At other times, the sinus lift is completed first and the implants at a later time (i.e. two stage procedure).

Dr. Miller or Dr. Bounds will discuss this procedure with you in more detail if it is necessary for implant placement.