Missing bone in the upper jaw should not stand between you and the smile you deserve. When tooth loss or natural resorption has left the posterior upper jaw without enough bone to support a dental implant, a sinus lift restores the foundation you need to move forward with lasting tooth replacement. This procedure is one of the most reliable solutions in modern oral surgery, and it opens the door for patients who might otherwise be told they are not implant candidates.
At Legacy Oral Surgery Group, we serve Staten Island patients who are ready for a trusted team with the experience to match. Dr. Nancy Herbst brings over 25 years of oral and maxillofacial surgical experience to every procedure, and our team carries over 40 years of combined experience while seeing more than 7,000 patients each year. You can visit our Staten Island oral surgery practice to learn more about how we serve the local community.
What Is a Sinus Lift and Why Is It Performed?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone material to the space between the upper jaw and the maxillary sinuses. The maxillary sinuses are the air-filled cavities located just above the back teeth. When the bone in this area is too thin or too short to anchor a dental implant securely, the sinus membrane is gently lifted and bone graft material is placed beneath it to build up the necessary height and density.
This procedure is most often needed in the upper back jaw because this area naturally contains less bone than other regions of the mouth. Patients who have experienced tooth loss in this area for an extended period of time tend to see bone resorption that further reduces the available bone volume. According to a 2023 review published on PubMed Central, a sinus lift is indicated when there is limited bone available in the posterior upper jaw to accommodate a dental implant, with both open and closed techniques serving as reliable approaches for increasing bone volume.
Who Is a Candidate for a Sinus Lift in Staten Island?
Not every patient who wants dental implants in the upper jaw will need a sinus lift, but many do. During your consultation, we will perform a thorough evaluation that includes imaging to measure your existing bone levels and assess the anatomy of your sinus region.
Several common factors can make a sinus lift the appropriate path forward. Here are the characteristics we most often see in candidates:
- Bone loss: significant resorption in the upper jaw following tooth loss
- Missing upper back teeth: particularly the premolars or molars, which sit closest to the sinus floor
- Anatomically large sinuses: some patients are born with naturally larger sinuses that leave less room for implants
- Long-term tooth loss: extended periods without teeth accelerate the rate of bone deterioration
Understanding where you stand is the first step, and we are here to walk you through every finding. If a sinus lift is the right path for you, our team will outline what to expect before moving forward.
What Does the Sinus Lift Process Look Like?
When you come in for your procedure, our focus is on keeping you informed, comfortable, and confident throughout every stage. The process has two distinct phases: the surgical procedure itself and the healing period that follows.
The Procedure Itself
The procedure begins with anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout. We then create a small opening in the gum tissue near the area where your upper back teeth once were. Through this opening, a small window is made in the bone to access the sinus cavity. The sinus membrane is carefully separated from the floor of the sinus and elevated, creating space for the bone graft material. That graft material, which can be sourced from your own body, a donor source, or a biocompatible synthetic alternative, is then placed to fill the newly created space.
Healing and Recovery
After the procedure, the graft material gradually integrates with your existing bone over a period of several months. Most patients experience some swelling and mild discomfort in the days following surgery, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Our team provides detailed recovery instructions and is available to support you through every stage of healing. You can read more about managing pain after oral surgery to prepare yourself for what to expect. Once the bone has fully healed and matured, dental implants can be placed with confidence, and in some cases, implant placement can happen at the same time as the sinus lift depending on how much bone is already present.
Why Choose Legacy Oral Surgery Group for Your Sinus Lift
Choosing an oral surgeon for a procedure like this is a decision that carries real weight. The precision required in elevating the sinus membrane and placing graft material demands both technical skill and extensive clinical experience, and our practice brings both.
Dr. Herbst has performed oral and maxillofacial procedures across the full range of patient needs, from newborns to patients over 103 years old, which reflects the depth and breadth of her training and the trust patients place in her care. We also understand that dental surgery can feel daunting, which is why our entire approach is built around making you feel supported before, during, and after your procedure. If you would like to learn more about how a sinus lift connects to the broader implant process, our blog post on when you would need a sinus lift before getting dental implants is a helpful resource.
Get Started with Legacy Oral Surgery Group in Staten Island
A sinus lift is a well-established procedure that gives patients the bone foundation required for successful dental implants, and it is one that our team performs with precision and care. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or you have already been told you need a sinus lift before receiving implants, Legacy Oral Surgery Group is ready to help you take the next step.
Our staff is also happy to assist you with insurance coverage and paperwork so that cost does not stand in the way of your oral health. Dr. Herbst and our team are committed to providing an exceptional patient experience from your very first consultation through your full recovery. To schedule a consultation with our Staten Island team, contact us today.
