The maxillary sinuses, bony cavities containing tissue, are located just above the upper jaw. As they are located above our upper teeth, they can sometime interfere with the placement of dental implants. When the upper jaw is edentulous, either partially or entirely, the bone will begin to slowly resorb. The sinus tissues, which have more space, then tend to expand. The sinuses will naturally expand as we age as well. In such cases, the bone surface might be too thin to receive an implant.

However, it is possible to remedy the situation by resorting to a sinus lift. This surgery, performed in our state-of-the-art facilities, aims to lift the sinus tissues and then perform a bone graft in order to restore sufficient thickness and volume to the bone of the upper jaw.

This procedure is generally performed under local anesthetic and/or oral sedatives. Once this treatment is completed, there will be a period of healing determined by the dentist before the placement of the dental implant. This is to ensure that the bone graft and sinus lift is healed well before the area receives further treatment.

• Once under local anesthetic takes effect, the dentist will begin by making an incision in the area where the maxillary premolars and/or molars are located.
• An opening is created in the jawbone to gain access to the sinus tissues.
• The dentist will very gently lift the sinus tissues and create space to place the bone graft.
• The bone graft is then placed. The bone will come from either an external donor, artificial composition or the patient themselves.
• The dentist then places a synthetic membrane on the graft to protect it and to promote its healing, before closing the site.