Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation) for Dental Implants in Murfreesboro, TN
Implant-related sinus augmentation is performed by Dr. Joanne Gaydos-Daniel and Dr. Sang Hun “David” Kim.
Often patients who have lost teeth in the upper jaw require a sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, in order to have dental implants placed. This is because the bone in the area where teeth are missing naturally beings to shrink, or resorb, over time. As a result, the sinuses expand to occupy the empty space where the bone used to be. With insufficient bone to securely place the dental implant, a sinus augmentationi is necessary to move the sinus where it is meant to be and to place additional bone in the area.
The Procedure
There are two forms of sinus lift procedures and the form you receive depends on your individual needs and the amount of bone you still have. Which form of augmentation if right for you will be determined during your examination and implant consultation.
It is often possible to augment the bone with a crestal sinus augmentation. In this technique the site for implant placement (osteotomy) is prepared. Before the implant is placed the floor of the sinus is gently pushed up and bone grafting material is added. The dental implant is then placed and, in 4-6 months, the bone graft becomes new bone for you! This has the advantage of being done at the same time as your dental implant, meaning only one surgery is needed. It enables you to have your new tooth sooner. It does, however, have limits as to how much new bone can be created.
A lateral sinus lift (augmentation), as seen above, is used when the bone loss is severe. It is done in the office, often with local anesthesia alone. Typically, 4-6 months of healing is required for the new bone to form before your dental implants can be placed. This technique does, however, allow areas to be prepared for dental implants that could otherwise not be restored.
After your examination and implant consultation the doctors will be able to tell you which of these procedures, if needed, will help produce the best result for you.
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift (sinus augmentation) adds bone beneath the maxillary sinus in the upper back jaw so a dental implant has enough height and support. After upper molars or premolars are lost, the sinus often expands downward as bone thins—making a lift a common foundation step before implant placement in Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee.
Who performs sinus lifts here
Sinus augmentation for dental implants is performed by Dr. Joanne Gaydos-Daniel and Dr. Sang Hun “David” Kim, board-certified periodontists. They plan the lift with 3D imaging as part of your implant consultation.
Crestal vs. lateral sinus lift
Crestal (internal) approach
When moderate bone remains, the sinus floor can often be gently elevated through the implant site (osteotomy), grafting material added, and—in selected cases—the implant placed in the same visit.
Lateral (window) approach
When more bone height is needed, a small access on the side of the upper jaw allows the membrane to be lifted and a larger graft placed. Healing commonly takes several months before implant placement.
Healing & timing
Graft maturation often takes about 4–6 months, depending on the technique and how much bone was added. Your surgeon explains timing, soft diet tips, and when you are ready for the implant.
Which approach fits you depends on remaining bone, sinus anatomy, and your overall implant plan—decided after exam and CBCT review, not from a generic checklist.
Sinus lift FAQs
Do I need a sinus lift for every upper implant?
No. Many upper implants have enough native bone. A lift is recommended only when imaging shows the sinus sits too low or bone height is insufficient for a stable implant.
Can the implant be placed the same day as a crestal lift?
Sometimes yes, when bone width and residual height allow primary stability. Lateral lifts more often heal first, then receive the implant at a second visit. Your consultation clarifies which path applies.
Is a sinus lift done in the office?
Yes. Sinus augmentation is performed in our Murfreesboro office with local anesthesia; sedation for anxiety relief is available when appropriate.
How long before I can get the implant?
After grafting, many patients heal about 4–6 months before implant placement. Crestal cases with same-day implants still need time for the graft and implant to integrate before the final crown.
How does this relate to other bone procedures?
A sinus lift builds height under the sinus. Thin ridges elsewhere may need ridge augmentation or other bone grafting. Full-arch plans sometimes include sinus work on one or both sides—see full-arch implants.
Related: Your Implant Consultation · Bone Grafting · Ridge Augmentation · Full Arch Implants