Covington Hammond 
Sinus Lift for Dental Implants
For patients who are missing teeth in the upper jaw, insufficient bone structure can make placing dental implants a challenge. A sinus lift is a specialized procedure that rebuilds and strengthens the bone in the upper jaw, creating the foundation needed for long-lasting dental implant success. At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, Dr. Joshua S. Brandner, DDS, MD, is an expert in sinus lift procedures, offering precise, advanced care to help patients restore their smiles with confidence.
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for dental implants, a sinus lift may be the solution to ensure the stability and longevity of your new teeth.
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw, particularly in the molars and premolars. It involves lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone grafting material to create the necessary volume. Over time, this graft fuses with the existing bone, creating a stronger, more supportive foundation for dental implants.
At The OMS Center of South Louisiana, we prioritize your comfort and safety during every step of the sinus lift process:
Dr. Brandner will evaluate your condition using 3D imaging to assess your sinus cavity, jawbone height, and overall oral health. He will discuss the procedure in detail and answer any questions.
Anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free procedure. Sedation options, such as IV sedation, are also available for maximum comfort.
A small opening is made in the upper jawbone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted. Bone grafting material is then placed in the space created to build up the bone volume.
Over the next 4-6 months, the grafting material integrates with your natural bone, creating a stable foundation for dental implants.
When teeth are lost or extracted in the upper jaw, the surrounding bone can deteriorate over time due to a lack of stimulation. Additionally, the sinus cavities—air-filled spaces above the upper jaw—may expand into the area where the bone once was. This leaves insufficient bone height to anchor dental implants securely.
Common reasons for needing a sinus lift include:
A sinus lift solves these issues, enabling successful dental implant placement to restore oral function.
A sinus lift lays the groundwork for patients who need dental implants but lack enough bone in their upper jaw to support them. This procedure increases bone volume by gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material, creating a stable foundation for successful implant placement. By improving bone density and structure, a sinus lift makes it possible to restore missing teeth with implants, ensuring long-term stability and durability. Patients not only regain the function and aesthetics of natural teeth but also enjoy improved oral health and a rejuvenated smile that enhances their quality of life.
You may be a candidate for a sinus lift if you:
During your consultation, Dr. Brandner will assess your jawbone density and sinus anatomy using advanced imaging technology to determine if a sinus lift is the right solution for you.
While initial healing occurs within 2 weeks, the grafted bone takes 4 to 6 months to fully integrate with your natural jawbone. Once the healing process is complete, you will have a stable, durable foundation to support dental implants.
The results of a sinus lift are long-lasting. With proper care, including excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, the grafted bone provides a secure and reliable foundation for dental implants that can last a lifetime.
It is normal to experience mild swelling and discomfort during the first few days following the sinus lift procedure. Any discomfort can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter or pain medications, ensuring you remain comfortable as you heal. To promote proper recovery, it’s important to follow a few key guidelines: avoid strenuous activities for 7-10 days, use saline rinses to keep the surgical site clean, and stick to a soft food diet to prevent unnecessary strain on the area.
Protecting the graft site is essential, so you should avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully during the healing period. Dr. Brandner and his team will provide thorough aftercare instructions tailored to your needs and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress. These check-ins ensure the bone graft integrates successfully, setting the foundation for stable, long-lasting dental implants. By following these simple steps, you can expect a smooth recovery and excellent results from your sinus lift procedure.
No, the procedure is performed under anesthesia or sedation, ensuring a comfortable, pain-free experience. Post-procedure discomfort is minimal and manageable with pain medication.
Most patients recover within 7-10 days, with full bone integration occurring over 4-6 months.
Yes, sinus lift procedures are well-established and have a high success rate when performed by an experienced oral surgeon like Dr. Brandner.
The procedure is performed with care to avoid damage to the sinus membrane, and most patients report no long-term impact on sinus function.
