For people with missing upper back teeth, dental implant placement can be challenging if the bone in the upper jaw is too thin or shallow. Over time, the sinus cavity naturally expands into the area where the bone has receded, leaving insufficient support for implants. At Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery, Dr. Leslie Sultan, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon since 1990, offers advanced sinus lift procedures to restore bone volume and make dental implant placement possible — even in cases of significant bone loss.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft beneath it. This additional bone provides a strong foundation for dental implants in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw).
The procedure is especially valuable if you have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or natural anatomical variations in sinus size.
Why Might You Need a Sinus Lift?
You may be a good candidate for sinus lift if:
- Your sinus cavity is too close to your upper jaw for implants to be placed securely.
- Bone height in your upper jaw is insufficient due to resorption after tooth loss.
- Previous trauma or infections have compromised bone density in this area.
By creating adequate bone height and density, a sinus lift allows for successful, long-lasting dental implant placement when it would otherwise not be possible.
How the Procedure Works
Dr. Sultan begins with a detailed evaluation using 3D Cone Beam CT imaging to map your anatomy and plan the procedure with precision. During surgery, a small opening is created in the bone to access the sinus membrane. The membrane is carefully lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the newly created space.
The graft material may come from your own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), or synthetic sources, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Over time, this graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a solid base for implants.
Sinus Lift Recovery and Next Steps
After a sinus lift, most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, though healing of the grafted bone typically takes 4–12 months before implants can be placed. Dr. Sultan closely monitors healing progress with follow-up visits and imaging to ensure the area is ready for the next stage of treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Leslie Sultan for Your Sinus Lift?
As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive experience in complex jaw reconstruction, Dr. Sultan brings a meticulous and patient-focused approach to sinus lift surgery. His use of advanced imaging and grafting techniques ensures a high level of safety and predictability for each case.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’ve been told you lack the bone height for dental implants, a sinus lift may be the solution. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Leslie Sultan at Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery by contacting (954) 771-8772. Together, we can explore your options for restoring function and confidence.
