Creating a stable foundation for upper-jaw dental implant placement often requires a specialized procedure known as a sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation. At Dr. Fred Alger’s Gahanna practice, patients benefit from precise and minimally invasive techniques, including the osteotome technique, which supports predictable healing, healthy bone formation, and long-term implant success.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that increases bone height in the posterior maxilla, the area above the upper back teeth. This region contains hollow spaces called the maxillary sinuses, located behind the cheekbones. When the upper jaw does not have adequate alveolar bone height for implant placement, a sinus lift creates a safe, stable environment for implants to integrate.

During the procedure, the sinus membrane, also called the Schneiderian membrane, is gently elevated to create space. Graft material is then placed below the maxillary sinus floor, allowing the body to form new bone. This process is a well-researched form of bone augmentation and is widely used to support successful implant dentistry.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Needed?

Several factors can lead to inadequate bone height in the upper jaw, including:

  • Bone loss after tooth extraction
  • Natural anatomical variations, such as a large maxillary sinus or naturally thin upper-jaw bone
  • Long-standing tooth loss that leads to further resorption of the alveolar ridge
  • Periodontal disease affecting the upper jaw
  • Roots of molars extending close to or into the sinus cavity

Without adequate bone height, implant placement may not be possible or may have a lower survival rate. Completing a sinus lift procedure first helps ensure a strong, stable foundation and significantly improves implant survival rates.

The Osteotome Technique: A Minimally Invasive Approach

There are two widely used sinus augmentation approaches:

  1. Lateral window sinus lift
  2. Osteotome sinus floor elevation (transcrestal approach)

The osteotome technique is the less invasive option and is ideal when a patient has at least 6 mm of residual bone height and only needs the sinus floor raised by a few millimeters.

How the Osteotome Sinus Lift Procedure Works

  1. Accessing the bone
    Dr. Alger begins by creating a small opening in the bone at the planned implant site. This avoids the larger opening required with the lateral window approach.
  2. Lifting the sinus membrane
    A specialized instrument called an osteotome is used to gently and precisely elevate the Schneiderian membrane. Care is taken to avoid sinus membrane perforation, a risk that is significantly reduced with controlled positioning.
  3. Placing the graft material
    Once elevated, grafting material is placed beneath the sinus floor. This may include mineral-based grafts, autogenous bone, or a combination, promoting stable bone formation.
  4. Simultaneous implant placement
    In many cases, implant placement can occur during the same appointment. The implant is then allowed to integrate for four to six months as the graft strengthens and the bone grows around it.

This approach is widely documented in clinical studies, including long-term evaluations published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, as well as research summarized in multiple systematic reviews.

Benefits of the Osteotome Sinus Lift

Patients choose the osteotome sinus lift because it offers:

  • Less invasive surgery compared to the lateral window technique
  • Shorter recovery periods
  • Fewer post-operative complications
  • Immediate support for simultaneous implant placement
  • Proven bone regeneration results in the edentulous posterior maxilla
  • High reported implant survival rates in clinical literature

This technique is especially beneficial for patients needing predictable maxillary sinus floor augmentation in cases of mild to moderate bone deficiency.

Am I a Candidate for the Osteotome Approach?

You may be an ideal candidate if you:

  • Have at least 6 mm of existing bone height
  • Are missing upper molars or premolars
  • Want a minimally invasive option for sinus augmentation
  • Have an implant site close to the sinus cavity
  • Prefer to have the sinus lift and implant completed at the same appointment
  • Need improved stability before replacing a missing tooth

After a thorough exam and imaging, Dr. Alger will determine if the osteotome lift is appropriate or if another approach, such as the lateral window technique, would provide better outcomes.

What To Expect After the Procedure

Following the osteotome sinus lift and implant placement, most patients report minimal discomfort. You may experience mild swelling or pressure in the sinus region, which typically resolves within a few days.

To support proper healing:

  • Avoid blowing your nose
  • Refrain from using straws
  • Stick to soft foods for several days
  • Follow all provided home-care instructions
  • Take approved pain relief medications if needed
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up visits

Dr. Alger will monitor your bone augmentation progress to ensure successful integration.

Safe and Effective Sinus Augmentation

Dr. Fred Alger has extensive training in sinus augmentation procedures, osteotome sinus floor elevation, and advanced implant therapy. His precise approach, combined with detailed planning and a commitment to patient comfort, helps achieve reliable outcomes for patients who require additional bone support before implant placement.