Understanding Sinus Lift Procedures

A successful dental implant depends on having enough healthy bone to securely anchor it in place. However, the upper jaw, especially near the back teeth, often has less bone density and is located close to the sinus cavity. If you’ve experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease, gum disease, or tooth loss, you may not have enough bone height to support implant placement, but that doesn’t mean dental implants are out of reach.

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a specialized surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material underneath. This allows for stable, long-lasting dental implant placement in areas where bone is naturally thin or has resorbed over time

Why Is a Sinus Lift Needed?

When back upper teeth are lost, the bone in that region naturally shrinks, and the maxillary sinus expands downward into the empty space. This leaves insufficient bone to anchor a dental implant.

A sinus lift procedure helps correct this by gently elevating the sinus floor and adding new bone to create the ideal foundation for future implants.

Dr. Fred Alger has performed sinus lift surgeries for decades, combining advanced surgical skill with modern technology to ensure safe, predictable outcomes. For many patients, this procedure is a necessary step toward rebuilding a complete and confident smile.

Types of Sinus Lift Procedures

There are two primary approaches to sinus augmentation, depending on the amount of bone available and the patient’s individual needs.

1. Direct (Open) Sinus Lift

A direct sinus lift, sometimes called an open sinus lift, is recommended when there is significant bone loss or when very little existing bone remains below the sinus.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Preparation: The area is numbed with local anesthesia for comfort.
  2. Accessing the Bone: A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone near the maxillary sinus floor.
  3. Lifting the Sinus Membrane: A small window is carefully created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward, much like opening a trap door.
  4. Placing Bone Graft Material: The space beneath the lifted membrane is filled with graft material — either from your own body, a donor source, or synthetic bone substitutes.
  5. Healing Period: The gum tissue is sutured, and healing begins as the new bone forms over several months.

Typically, patients will need to allow five to nine months for bone grafting to fully develop before dental implants can be placed. In some cases, when sufficient bone height remains, the implant can be placed during the same appointment.

2. Indirect (Closed) Sinus Lift

An indirect sinus lift, or minimally invasive sinus lift, is used when there is still a moderate amount of existing bone in the upper jaw.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. Accessing the Site: A small incision is made where the implant will be placed.
  2. Lifting the Sinus Floor: Special instruments create a channel to gently raise the sinus membrane.
  3. Adding Bone Graft Material: Bone grafting particles are placed through the channel beneath the lifted sinus floor.
  4. Implant Placement: The dental implant is positioned immediately, allowing both the implant and bone graft to heal together.

This approach reduces overall healing time, typically allowing full implant function within four to five months. It’s often recommended for patients who already have about half the required bone height.

Healing and Recovery After a Sinus Lift

Following your sinus lift surgery, mild swelling, tenderness, or sinus pressure is normal for a few days. Dr. Alger provides detailed post-operative instructions to support healing and minimize any risk of complications.

You’ll be advised to:

  • Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully to protect the sinus membrane
  • Stick to soft foods for several days
  • Take any prescribed medications as directed
  • Attend follow-up visits so Dr. Alger can monitor bone development and healing progress

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though complete bone regeneration takes several months. Once the grafted bone has matured, the area will be strong enough to support one or more dental implants.

Dr. Alger’s Expertise in Sinus Lift Surgery

With extensive training in periodontology and implant surgery, Dr. Alger is recognized as an experienced oral surgeon who provides advanced sinus lift procedures in the Columbus area. His approach emphasizes patient comfort, safety, and long-term success.

Each case begins with a thorough consultation and treatment plan using 3D imaging to evaluate bone structure, the sinus cavity, and the planned implant site. Dr. Alger will recommend the type of sinus lift, direct or indirect, that best fits your specific situation and comfort preferences.

By combining decades of surgical experience with new innovations in bone grafting materials and minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Alger helps patients achieve predictable, lasting results with minimum discomfort.

Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery

Undergoing a sinus lift procedure offers several key advantages:

  • Enables successful placement of dental implants in the back of the upper jaw
  • Increases bone height and density for improved implant stability
  • Restores oral function and enhances overall quality of life
  • Prevents further bone loss from untreated missing teeth
  • Improves long-term outcomes for dental restorations such as crowns and bridges

For many patients, this procedure transforms what was once an obstacle into an opportunity to restore a complete, confident smile.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Having insufficient bone in the upper jaw no longer needs to prevent you from receiving dental implants. A sinus lift surgery can provide the sufficient bone structure necessary for long-term success.

Dr. Fred Alger has performed sinus floor augmentation for decades and continues to refine his methods using the most advanced and comfortable techniques available. Whether your case requires a direct or indirect sinus lift, Dr. Alger will guide you through each step and ensure you understand your options.

Give us a call to schedule a consultation and learn how sinus augmentation can prepare your mouth for implant placement — safely, predictably, and comfortably.

Direct Sinus Lift Procedure

Indirect Sinus Lift Procedure

This indirect sinus lift performed by Dr. Alger allowed placement of dental implants in the upper right posterior jaw. The red arrows indicate the location where the sinus was prior to treatment. The yellow arrows indicate the location of the new bone formation. These implants have had crowns placed by the patient’s dentist and have been successfully in function for years.