Sinus Lift Surgery Park Ridge & Mt. Prospect

When it comes to replacing missing teeth in the back of the upper jaw, having enough bone is essential for successful dental implant placement. Unfortunately, bone loss in this area is common, especially after tooth loss or as a result of periodontal disease. At Northwest Dental Specialists in Park Ridge and Mt. Prospect, Dr. Rojas offers sinus lift surgery (also called a sinus augmentation) to create the solid foundation needed for long-term implant success.

What is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift is a specialized surgical procedure that adds new sinus bone to the upper jaw, just below the sinus cavity. Over time, the floor of the sinus may expand downward after tooth loss, reducing the bone height available to support an implant. This procedure gently lifts the sinus membrane and places bone graft material into the space, encouraging new bone formation.

Why You Might Need a Sinus Lift

Placing a dental implant in the upper jaw often comes with unique challenges. After tooth loss, the body naturally begins to reabsorb bone in the area, which can result in insufficient bone height to securely anchor an implant. On top of that, the maxillary sinus—a hollow space located just above the roots of your upper teeth—can shift downward over time, making the sinus floor even closer to the area where the implant is needed. Without sufficient stable bone, placing an implant risks perforating the sinus membrane or leading to implant failure.

That’s where a sinus lift becomes an important step. By gently elevating the sinus cavity and placing bone graft material beneath it, this procedure creates the space necessary for new bone formation, thereby restoring volume and strength to the affected area.

You may be a candidate for a sinus lift procedure if:

• You’ve lost teeth in the back of your upper jaw
• There isn’t enough bone height for implant stability
• The sinus floor is too close to the intended implant placement site
• You’ve experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease

At Northwest Dental Specialists, we take a personalized approach to care. Every patient is carefully evaluated to determine the condition of the sinus wall, the quality of the existing bone, and the optimal timing for both sinus augmentation and implant placement.

How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works

The sinus lift procedure is tailored to meet individual needs, with variations in technique based on the extent of bone grafting required. During the procedure, we’ll use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable while we carefully access the sinus membrane through a small opening in the upper jaw. Once the membrane is gently moved upward, we place graft material beneath it—this could include your bone, donor bone, or synthetic bone grafting material. This area is then allowed to heal, promoting new bone growth in the sinus over several months.

In many cases, dental implants can be placed simultaneously with the sinus graft, provided there is sufficient bone available. If additional bone formation is required, we may recommend a staged approach to allow the surgical site time to stabilize.

Long-Term Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery

A sinus augmentation procedure not only makes implant placement possible, but it also supports the long-term health and function of your smile. By restoring lost bone at the bottom of the sinus, we help:

• Prevent further bone loss
• Improve the strength and volume of the upper jaw
• Create a stable foundation for lasting dental implants
• Preserve the health of surrounding structures, including the roots of the natural upper teeth

This procedure is a safe, predictable option for patients who may have been previously told they were not candidates for implant placement due to a lack of bone.

Prepare for the Placement of Dental Implants with Experienced Specialists

At Northwest Dental Specialists in Park Ridge and Mt. Prospect, Dr. Rojas has advanced training and experience performing sinus lift procedures. With her, you have access to skilled, precision care for your sinus lift or bone graft. From detailed planning to comfortable healing, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us at (847) 398-0404 to schedule an appointment!