Sinus Lift /Sinus Augmentation
Sinus lift Philadelphia patients require when the upper jawbone lacks sufficient height to support dental implants. At Razavi Dental, sinus lifts are performed by Dr. Pouya Hatam, a board-certified periodontist and surgical faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, increases the amount of bone in the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. When teeth in the upper back jaw are lost, the bone beneath the sinus cavity shrinks over time. If too little bone remains, dental implants cannot be placed without first rebuilding that foundation. A sinus lift creates the bone height an implant needs to integrate successfully and last long term.
Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?
Several conditions can reduce bone height in the upper jaw and make a sinus lift necessary before implant placement:
Tooth loss in the upper back jaw causes the bone to resorb over time. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more bone is typically lost.
Periodontal disease destroys the bone that supports teeth. Advanced gum disease in the upper arch can leave insufficient bone for implants without grafting first.
Anatomy plays a role for some patients. A sinus cavity that sits low in the jaw naturally leaves less room for implant placement regardless of tooth loss history.
Previous trauma or infection can also compromise bone volume in the area.
The Sinus Lift Procedure at Razavi Dental
Dr. Hatam performs sinus lift procedures at Razavi Dental using a precise, minimally traumatic technique. Here is what the procedure involves.
1
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered to ensure the area is completely numb before anything begins. IV sedation is available for patients who prefer it.
2
Access
A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone in the upper jaw. A small opening is created in the bone to access the sinus membrane.
3
Membrane Elevation
The sinus membrane is carefully lifted upward to create space between the membrane and the existing bone. This step requires precision — the membrane must be elevated without tearing.
4
Bone Graft Placement
Bone graft material is placed into the space created beneath the lifted membrane. The graft may come from the patient’s own bone, a donor source, or a synthetic bone substitute depending on the case. The membrane is repositioned over the graft and the incision is closed.
5
Healing
The bone graft integrates with the existing jawbone over several months. Once integration is complete, dental implants can be placed into the newly built bone.
The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to one hour. Most patients return to normal activity within a few days with manageable discomfort.
Recovery After a Sinus Lift
Some swelling and mild discomfort in the days following surgery is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice. Dr. Hatam will give you specific aftercare instructions at your appointment. During healing:
Follow a soft diet and avoid hard or crunchy foods that could stress the surgical site. Avoid smoking, which significantly impairs healing and increases the risk of graft failure. Do not blow your nose forcefully or use a straw — changes in sinus pressure can displace the graft before it has integrated. Keep all follow-up appointments so Dr. Hatam can monitor healing and confirm the graft is integrating correctly.
The bone graft typically takes four to nine months to fully integrate before implants can be placed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients report feeling pressure rather than pain during surgery. Discomfort in the days following is typically mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter medication.
How long does a sinus lift take to heal?
The graft takes four to nine months to fully integrate with the existing bone. The timeline depends on the amount of graft material placed and individual healing response. Dr. Hatam monitors healing at follow-up appointments and will confirm when implants can be placed.
Can I get a sinus lift and implant at the same time?
In some cases yes, if enough existing bone is present to stabilize the implant during grafting. Dr. Hatam evaluates each case individually and will explain whether simultaneous placement is appropriate for your situation.
Do I need a sinus lift before every upper jaw implant?
No. A sinus lift is only necessary when bone height in the upper jaw is insufficient for implant placement. Dr. Hatam performs a clinical evaluation and reviews imaging before recommending the procedure.
Sinus Lift and Dental Implants at Razavi Dental
At Razavi Dental, sinus lift surgery and dental implant placement are performed by the same specialist — Dr. Pouya Hatam — in the same practice. Patients do not need to be referred to a separate oral surgery center. Dr. Razavi designs and places the final implant crown once the implant has integrated, meaning the entire process from bone grafting to final restoration is coordinated under one roof. Learn more about dental implants in Philadelphia at Razavi Dental.