• A key to implant success is the quantity and quality of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The maxillary sinuses are behind your cheeks and on top of the upper teeth.

Sinuses are like empty rooms that have nothing in them. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone.

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. Your periodontist can explain your options for graft materials, which can regenerate lost bone and tissue.

A sinus lift may be necessary if you:

• are missing more than one tooth in the back of your jaw
• are missing a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw
• are missing teeth due to a birth defect or condition
• are missing most of the maxillary teeth and require support for dental implants