Sinus lift

Maxillary sinus floor augmentation (also known as a sinus lift, sinus graft, or sinus augmentation) is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the posterior maxilla by lifting the Schneiderian membrane and placing a bone graft.

After upper jaw tooth loss, the bone may shrink and the sinus cavity can expand into the space. Sinus augmentation restores bone volume, creating a stable foundation for dental implant placement.

The main indication is to provide sufficient bone under the maxillary sinus for implants.

Sinus pneumatization and bone resorption can follow long-term tooth loss, periodontal disease, or trauma.

Candidates include:

Cochrane reviews report no clear evidence that sinus lifts are more effective than short implants in reducing implant failure.

Assessment is made with panoramic radiographs or cone beam computed tomography to evaluate sinus anatomy and rule out pathology.

The lateral (traditional) approach creates a window in the sinus wall, lifts the membrane, and places graft material. Healing usually takes 4–12 months.