What does “Sinus floor elevation” mean?
Sinus floor elevation lifts the membrane lining the floor of the maxillary sinus in the upper back-tooth region to create space for bone reconstruction. It is considered when bone height for an implant is insufficient and is not required for every upper-jaw implant.
The relationship between the sinus and implant position
The maxillary sinus is an air space in the upper jaw near molar roots. If bone loss after tooth loss or proximity of the sinus leaves insufficient placement height, space beneath the sinus-floor membrane may be created. Confirm membrane elevation and whether and how much grafting is planned.
Choosing the approach and placement timing
Remaining bone height and shape, sinus condition, and reconstruction extent are assessed. Approaches include a window through the lateral bone or access through the implant site. Whether primary implant stability can be achieved determines simultaneous placement or placement after healing.
Sinus condition and postoperative monitoring
Existing sinus symptoms, history, and imaging are checked, with further assessment when needed. Membrane injury during surgery or postoperative infection can occur, so individual precautions should be explained. Contact the dentist for worsening pain, swelling, or fever after surgery instead of dismissing these as normal recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every upper-jaw implant require sinus elevation?
No. The need depends on bone height and sinus position at the planned site. Assess the degree of deficiency and other treatment options together.
Can sinus elevation and implant placement be done the same day?
It depends on primary stability in the remaining bone and on defect and sinus conditions. Even when simultaneous treatment is possible, bone healing is not immediate.
Questions about sinus floor elevation
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
What findings establish the sinus and remaining bone conditions?
Explanation and evidenceAsk about required height and sinus condition based on examinations and imaging.
American Academy of Periodontology · Dental Implant Procedures - A choice suited to your condition
Is the plan simultaneous placement or placement after healing?
Explanation and evidenceAsk about timing based on primary stability in remaining bone and individual healing conditions.
ITI · Sinus Floor Elevation: Presurgical Planning and Risk Factors
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- American Academy of Periodontology · Dental Implant Proceduresperio.org (opens in a new tab)
- Association of Dental Implantology · Types of Bone Augmentationadi.org.uk (opens in a new tab)
- Cleveland Clinic · Dental Bone Graftmy.clevelandclinic.org (opens in a new tab)
- ITI · Sinus Floor Elevation: Presurgical Planning and Risk Factorsblog.iti.org (opens in a new tab)
