Ready for dental implants but missing bone in your upper jaw?
Annandale Dental Sinus Lift
What is a sinus lift procedure?
At Prestige Dental Specialists, we focus on creating a strong, healthy foundation for dental implants through sinus lift procedures at our Annandale practice. Our periodontal and implant-focused team will help you rebuild lost bone so you can move forward confidently with long-lasting tooth replacement.
Common reasons you may need a sinus lift
- Long-term tooth loss in the upper back jaw that has led to bone shrinkage
- Periodontal (gum) disease that has damaged the supporting bone
- Naturally thin bone in the area of the upper molars and premolars
- Sinuses that sit low or close to the roots of the upper teeth
- Previous extractions that healed with too little bone for implants
- Desire to replace a denture or bridge with stable, implant-supported teeth
By gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material, we can create enough height and density for secure, predictable implant placement.
Who is a candidate for a sinus lift
Not everyone planning implants in the upper jaw will need a sinus lift. You may be a candidate if:
- Imaging shows minimal bone between your sinus and jaw
- You’ve been missing upper molars or premolars for many years
- Gum disease or infection has significantly reduced bone support
- Your restorative dentist has recommended implants but noted “not enough bone” in the area
A comprehensive exam and CBCT scan at Prestige Dental Specialists will help determine whether a sinus lift is the best way to prepare your upper jaw for successful implants.
Different sinus lift and bone graft approaches
Your specialist will choose the technique that best fits your anatomy, bone levels, and implant plan.
Indirect (crestal) sinus lift
When only a small increase in bone height is needed, a sinus lift can sometimes be completed through the same opening prepared for the implant and is done at the same time as the implant placement. The sinus membrane is gently elevated, and a bone graft is placed through the top of the implant site. This less invasive method may allow implant placement at the same appointment.
Lateral window sinus augmentation
If more bone is required, a small “window” is created on the side of the upper jaw. Through this opening, the sinus membrane is carefully lifted away from the bone, and graft material is placed into the newly created space. The area is then closed so the graft can heal and integrate.
Staged sinus graft with delayed implants
For patients with significant bone loss, the sinus lift and bone graft are completed first, then allowed to heal fully before implants are placed. This staged approach gives the graft time to mature and provides a more stable foundation for long-term implant success.
Sinus lift combined with periodontal care
If gum disease played a role in bone loss, periodontal therapy may be part of your overall plan. Treating infection and inflammation around remaining teeth supports healing and helps protect your future implants.
Revision or corrective sinus grafting
In select cases where a previous graft has partially failed or resorbed, revision sinus grafting can help rebuild the area. Using updated imaging and materials, our specialists often can restore enough bone to move forward with implants.
The Curious Corner
How do I know if I might need a sinus lift?
You may not feel anything unusual. A sinus lift is usually recommended after a 3D scan shows that there isn’t enough bone height in the upper back jaw or that the sinus is too close to the planned implant site. If you’ve been missing upper molars for years or have a history of gum disease, your dentist may suggest this procedure as part of your implant plan.
How is a sinus lift planned?
Accurate imaging is essential for our Annandale dental sinus lifts. At Prestige Dental Specialists, we use CBCT scans and detailed clinical exams to measure bone levels, map the sinus cavity, and identify nearby anatomical structures. This information guides us in choosing the safest and most effective approach for your sinus lift.
Is lifting the sinus membrane safe?
Will my implants be placed at the same appointment?
What happens if I decide against a sinus lift?
Your sinus lift visit, step by step
- Detailed imaging and evaluation: CBCT scans and a thorough exam of your upper jaw and sinus anatomy
- Clear treatment plan: An explanation of the procedure, healing timeline, and how it supports your future implants
- Team-based coordination: Collaboration with your general dentist or restorative provider to align the sinus lift with your implant plan
- Comfort-focused care: Local anesthesia and sedation options, plus comfort amenities to help you feel relaxed and informed
- Structured follow-up: Post-operative instructions, scheduled check-ins, and monitoring of graft integration to support predictable implant placement
Trusted by dentists. Loved by patients
Specialists in building implant-ready bone
Our periodontal and implant-focused specialists in Annandale concentrate on creating strong, stable support for long-lasting dental implants.
Technology that supports precise outcomes
CBCT imaging, surgical guides, and advanced grafting materials help us plan and perform sinus lifts with accuracy and confidence.
Sedation and comfort tailored to you
We offer nitrous (laughing gas), oral, and moderate IV sedation options to match your anxiety level and treatment needs, helping you feel at ease every step of the way.
A trusted referral partner in Fairfax County
General dentists and implant providers across Fairfax County turn to us for sinus augmentation because they value our communication, planning, and consistent clinical results.
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Our Office
7617 Little River Turnpike, Suite 910
Annandale, VA 22003
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Our Hours:
Monday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 3:00pm