Sinus Lift Procedure in San Antonio, TX

A key component of dental implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. If you’ve lost bone in that area due to reasons such as periodontal disease or tooth loss, you may be left without enough bone to place implants.

Sinus lift surgery can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants. Several techniques can be used to raise the sinus and allow for new bone to form. In one common technique, an incision is made to expose the bone. Then a small circle is cut into the bone. This bony piece is lifted into the sinus cavity, much like a trap door, and the space underneath is filled with bone graft material.

Common Question or Comment

When we talk to our patients about sinus lifts, they often tell us, “This sounds like a painful procedure.” But that is not the case! Our dentists have been trained to lift the sinus through the exact same opening where the implant will be placed. The great news is that the bone does not fell the difference whether the sinus floor has been lifted or not. So the simple answer is no, it typically does not increase the discomfort of the procedure.