Sinus Lift Surgery
for Upper Jaw Implants
Missing upper back teeth and told there isn't enough bone for implants? A sinus lift adds bone height to the upper jaw — safely and predictably — making implants possible where they previously were not.
Creating Bone Height in the
Upper Jaw
The maxillary sinuses are hollow air-filled spaces that sit just above the upper back teeth. When these teeth are lost, two things happen: the jawbone resorbs downward, and the sinus expands downward — reducing the bone height available for implants.
A sinus lift gently elevates the sinus membrane and places biocompatible bone graft material in the space created. Over 4–6 months, this integrates with your existing bone — building the height that makes upper jaw implants safe and stable.
Why the Upper Jaw is Different
Sinus Proximity
The maxillary sinus sits directly above upper back teeth — limiting implant depth
Bone Resorption
After tooth loss, upper jaw bone resorbs faster than the lower jaw
The Solution
Sinus lift creates bone height — implants placed after healing with full confidence
From Planning to
Your Upper Jaw Implants
CBCT 3D Planning
A cone beam CT scan maps the exact position of the sinus floor, the sinus membrane, and the available bone height in millimetres. Every anatomical detail is analysed before any surgical decision is made.
Sinus Membrane Elevation
Under local anesthesia, a small access window is created in the upper jaw bone. The sinus membrane — a delicate lining — is carefully and gently lifted upward, creating a space between the membrane and the sinus floor.
Bone Graft Placement & Healing
Biocompatible bone graft material is packed into the space created beneath the sinus membrane, rebuilding bone height. Over 4–6 months, the graft integrates with your existing bone — maturing into solid, implant-ready tissue.
Implant Placement
Once healing is confirmed by a follow-up CBCT scan, dental implants are placed into the newly formed bone — with the same precision and confidence as any standard implant case. Your permanent teeth follow shortly after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift — technically known as a maxillary sinus augmentation — is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the region of the back teeth (molars and premolars). The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities that sit directly above this area. When back teeth are lost, bone resorbs and the sinus can drop closer to the jaw ridge, leaving insufficient height for implants. A sinus lift solves this by elevating the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material below it.
How do I know if I need a sinus lift?
You need a sinus lift when the bone height between your upper jaw ridge and the sinus floor is too small to accommodate an implant safely — typically less than 8–10mm. The only accurate way to determine this is a CBCT 3D scan. Many patients who expect to need a sinus lift are surprised to find they have adequate bone; others who have had dentures for years require it. We assess this precisely at consultation.
Is sinus lift surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia — you will feel no pain during surgery, only mild pressure. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild: some swelling, minor nasal congestion, and soreness at the surgical site. This is well-managed with prescribed pain relief and usually resolves within one to two weeks. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the recovery is.
How long does healing take after a sinus lift?
Graft integration takes 4–6 months. During this time, your daily life continues as normal — you are not confined or incapacitated. We schedule a CBCT follow-up scan to confirm bone maturation before implant placement. In some cases where there is already some residual bone, the sinus lift and implant placement can be done simultaneously — reducing overall treatment time.
What is the success rate of sinus lift procedures?
Sinus lift is among the most established and well-researched procedures in implant dentistry. Performed by an experienced specialist using CBCT guidance, success rates consistently exceed 95%. The key variables are the quality of surgical technique, the type of graft material used, and proper post-operative care — all of which Dr. Mukesh manages with meticulous attention.
Need upper jaw implants in Pune?
A CBCT scan will reveal exactly how much bone you have — and whether a sinus lift is needed. Many patients are candidates for a combined same-day procedure.