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Oral Surgery
Sinus Lift Surgery in Bel Air, MD: Creating Space for Upper Jaw Implants
The upper back jaw is one of the most challenging areas for dental implants because the sinus cavity sits just above it, often leaving very little bone to work with. A sinus lift solves this problem by gently lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone underneath to create the height needed for a successful implant. Dr. Joshua Englander performs sinus augmentation in-house at Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lift Surgery
How successful is sinus lift surgery?
Sinus lifts have a very high success rate when performed by an experienced surgeon. Implants placed after sinus augmentation show long-term survival rates comparable to implants in areas with naturally adequate bone.
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and you should feel no pain during it. Post-operative discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief and resolves within one to two weeks.
How long after a sinus lift can implants be placed?
It depends on how much bone was added. Smaller lifts may allow implant placement in four to six months. Larger augmentations may require six to nine months for the graft to fully mature before the site is ready.
Can a sinus lift and implant be placed at the same time?
In cases where there is at least five millimeters of existing bone, simultaneous placement is sometimes possible. Dr. Englander will evaluate your 3D scans to determine whether this approach is appropriate for your specific anatomy.
Will a sinus lift affect my breathing or sinus function?
No. The procedure works within a small portion of one sinus and does not affect nasal breathing or sinus drainage. Patients with a history of chronic sinus infections should discuss this with Dr. Englander before proceeding.
Expert Care
Modern surgical techniques
What Is a Sinus Lift and Why Is It Needed?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the upper molars and premolars. The maxillary sinuses sit directly above this area. When upper back teeth are lost and the jawbone shrinks, the sinus floor can drop downward, leaving insufficient bone depth for an implant. The procedure lifts the sinus membrane upward and packs bone graft material into the space created, allowing new bone to form and giving the jaw the vertical height it needs to anchor an implant securely.
What Does the Sinus Lift Procedure Involve?
Dr. Englander performs the procedure under local anesthesia, and sedation is available for patients who want additional comfort. A small incision is made in the gum tissue near the upper back teeth. A window is created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is carefully and gently lifted upward. Bone graft material is packed into the newly created space. The incision is closed and the area is left to heal. Over the following months, the graft integrates and new bone forms. Implant placement is typically scheduled four to nine months later depending on how much bone was needed.
How Do I Know If I Need a Sinus Lift Before Implants?
Not everyone who wants upper jaw implants needs a sinus lift. Whether one is required depends entirely on how much bone remains between the sinus floor and the top of the ridge. Dr. Englander uses cone beam 3D CT imaging to measure this precisely before making any recommendation. If you have at least five to six millimeters of bone height, a mini sinus lift or direct implant placement may be possible. If you have less, a full sinus lift is typically recommended to ensure the implant has a stable foundation.
What Is Recovery Like After a Sinus Lift?
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and some bruising for the first week. Slight bleeding from the nose is normal for the first day or two. Dr. Englander will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and recommend avoiding blowing your nose forcefully during the early healing phase to protect the graft. Strenuous activity and air travel are typically restricted for the first two weeks. Most patients return to normal daily activities within seven to ten days, though the full healing and bone maturation process takes several months.
Need a New Dentist?
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Office Hours
Monday: 8am – 4pm
Tuesday: 8am – 4pm
Wednesday: 7am – 3pm
Thursday: 7am – 3pm
Friday: By Appointment Only
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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