Charleston Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, led by Dr. John Rink, DDS, AAACD, approaches implant restorations as artful, life-changing transformations grounded in science and precision. One of the often-underappreciated but critical procedures that supports implant success in the upper jaw is the sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation). In this post, we’ll explain what a sinus lift is, why it matters, how it’s done, what patients can expect, and how it helps your implant restoration last for decades.
Why Sinus Lifts Matter in Implant Dentistry
In the posterior maxilla (upper back jaw), just above the molars and premolars, sits the maxillary sinus, which is an air-filled cavity.
Over time, after tooth loss or due to bone resorption, the bone height under that sinus can shrink. This leaves insufficient bone to anchor a dental implant.
A sinus lift helps “create” more bone, giving implants the stability they need. Here’s what you need to know:
- Because implants rely on osseointegration (the implant fusing to the surrounding bone), having sufficient quality bone is non-negotiable. Without it, the implant may fail, shift, or become loose (Sinus Lift - Procedure, Recovery, Costs & Risks).
- A sinus lift procedure elevates the sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) and places grafting material beneath it to encourage new bone growth in that space (Sinus Lift In Dental Implants: A Review).
- In many well-planned full-mouth or multi-implant restorations (as we often design here at CCCRD), a sinus lift is crucial for making the posterior implant placements predictable and durable.
Types of Sinus Lift Techniques
Lateral (Open) Window Approach
- A window is created in the lateral wall of the sinus
- The sinus membrane is gently elevated
- Graft material (autograft, allograft, xenograft, or synthetic) is placed under the lifted membrane
- In some cases, the implant is placed simultaneously; in others, it's delayed to allow bone regeneration
- Healing typically takes months before load-bearing (The bone lid technique in lateral sinus lift: a systematic review and meta-analysis)
- This approach is preferred when bone height is minimal or the augmentation needed is substantial
Crestal (Closed) or Transcrestal (Indirect) Approach
- Here, the sinus is elevated via the same osteotomy (implant site) rather than a lateral window
- Techniques include using osteotomes, hydraulic or balloon devices, or instruments that push the membrane upward through the implant site
- This method is less invasive, with faster recovery, but generally provides more modest augmentation (Features of a Sinus Lift Surgery)
- In certain modern protocols, graftless approaches (where only a blood clot or minimal augmentation is used), combined with simultaneous implant placement, are being explored
- In one recent prospective study of 60 patients, a graftless sinus lifting approach yielded high implant survival rates with good bone formation over 12–36 months (A graftless maxillary sinus lifting approach with simultaneous dental implant placement: a prospective clinical study | BMC Oral Health)
What to Expect: The Procedure & Recovery
Pre-operative Planning
- A cone beam CT (CBCT) scan helps us map the anatomy of the sinuses, assess bone thickness, and identify any sinus pathology
- We review your health history to rule out any active sinus disease
- We also discuss the timing for implant placement, whether it will be simultaneous or delayed
Surgery
- Local anesthesia, often accompanied by sedation, is administered for your comfort
- We elevate a flap to expose the bone using a lateral approach or access the area through an osteotomy via a crestal approach
- We gently lift the sinus membrane using specialized instruments or hydraulic/balloon devices
- Grafting material is then placed, or in cases where grafting is not necessary, we may use a blood clot combined with biologics
- If conditions allow, we proceed with implant placement; otherwise, we close the site for healing
- Finally, the area is sutured and closed
Healing Phase
- Bone regeneration takes approximately 3 to 6 months, although it may take longer before the bone is ready to support the implant
- During this healing phase, we conduct follow-up visits to monitor your progress, which includes imaging and careful care of the soft tissue
- Once the bone has matured, we can move forward with the final loading of the implant, restoration, and integration into your overall treatment plan
Risks, Challenges & Mitigation
- While sinus lifts are well-established, they carry potential complications, particularly:
- Membrane perforation or tearing
- Sinus infection or sinusitis
- Graft failure or resorption
- Bleeding, swelling, or discomfort
- Implant failure if premature loading
- Dr. Rink and the surgical team plan meticulously to minimize these risks through precise technique, the use of biologics (such as PRF), and staged approaches when necessary.
See How Precision Dentistry Transforms Implant Outcomes
At Charleston Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, sinus lift planning is seamlessly integrated into your personalized implant treatment—especially in full-mouth or multi-unit restorations. By carefully augmenting the upper jawbone, Dr. John Rink creates the stable foundation every implant needs for natural aesthetics, proper bite alignment, and long-term durability.
If you’ve been advised to consider a sinus lift or are exploring implant options in the upper jaw, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today.