Sinus Elevation/Lift
If teeth are missing for a long time, a great deal of bone loss can occur. The air in the sinuses contributes to this loss by putting pressure on the jawbone. Therefore, there may not be enough bone under the upper sinus or air cavity to place a dental implant initially. To gain the necessary height for implants, a bone graft to raise the sinus and provide stability for an implant may be indicated. This is termed a “lateral wall sinus elevation” or “sinus lift.”