Making upper jaw implants possible, safely
When there isn't quite enough bone in your upper jaw for a dental implant, a sinus lift carefully creates the room we need. It's a quietly clever bit of modern dentistry that opens up implant treatment for far more patients.
What is sinus augmentation?
Sinus augmentation (often called a sinus lift) is a careful procedure that creates extra bone height in your upper back jaw, so a dental implant can be placed safely. It's needed because of an anatomical quirk - the air-filled sinus cavities sitting just above your upper back teeth often leave very little space between your gum line and the sinus itself.
Why the upper back jaw is different
The bone in your upper jaw is naturally thinner than in your lower jaw, and the maxillary sinus (a hollow space on either side of your nose) sits remarkably close to where the roots of your upper back teeth used to be. Once those teeth are lost, two things tend to happen at once - the surrounding bone shrinks downward, and the sinus expands downward to fill the space. The result is often not enough bone to support an implant.
When you might need a sinus lift in Richmond
A sinus lift may be needed if:
- You've been missing upper back teeth for some time
- Your existing bone is thinner than the implant needs
- A 3D scan shows the sinus has expanded into the implant area
- You've had a previous extraction without bone preservation
- Your dentist has told you there isn't enough bone for an implant
The good news is that even significant bone loss in this area can usually be addressed with a well-planned sinus lift.
The honest truth - not every patient needs one
We won't recommend a sinus lift unless it's genuinely needed. Modern implant planning often reveals that there's just enough bone to proceed without one, especially when shorter or differently angled implants are used. Our approach is always to take the simplest, kindest path that delivers a properly reliable result.
Your two main sinus lift options at Richmond Hill Dental
There are two well-established techniques, and we'll choose the right one based on how much extra bone height you need.
- Internal sinus lift (transcrestal approach) - the gentler of the two techniques. The lift is done through the same small opening used to place your implant, so there's no separate surgical site. Best for cases where only a small amount of extra bone is needed, and often carried out at the same time as implant placement
- Lateral window sinus lift - a small window is created in the side of the sinus, and graft material is carefully placed to increase bone volume. Used when more significant bone gain is required. A more involved procedure, often staged separately from the implant
Can sinus augmentation be avoided?
In some cases, yes. Modern implant systems have evolved considerably, and shorter implants now have excellent success rates in suitable cases. Where bone is borderline rather than significantly lacking, we may recommend:
- Shorter dental implants designed for thinner bone areas
- Carefully angled implant placement to use the available bone
- A combination of bone grafting and shorter implants
We'll always discuss these alternatives honestly at your consultation, rather than defaulting to a more invasive procedure when a simpler option might work.
Modern dentistry in Richmond powered by 3D scanning
Every sinus lift case is planned in detail using our in-house 3D CBCT scanner. This shows the exact position, size and shape of your sinus, the bone available, and any anatomical features that need to be worked around. The result is a calmer, more predictable procedure - and a much clearer conversation with you about what your options genuinely are.
Your sinus augmentation journey at Richmond Hill Dental
Sinus lift treatment is a properly considered process, and we'll guide you through each step.
Step 1 - Your implant consultation
You'll meet our implant team for a dedicated consultation (£95). We'll examine the area, take any necessary digital scans, and explain whether sinus work is likely to be needed.
Step 2 - 3D CBCT scan and detailed planning
A 3D scan shows us exactly what your sinus and surrounding bone look like. We'll then plan whether a sinus lift is needed, which technique would suit you best, and whether it can be done at the same time as implant placement or as a separate stage.
Step 3 - The sinus lift procedure
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, with IV sedation available if you'd prefer to feel deeply relaxed throughout. For an internal sinus lift, the work is usually done at the same time as your implant. For a lateral window lift, it may be a separate appointment beforehand.
Step 4 - Healing and integration
Over the following four to nine months (depending on the technique used), the graft material slowly converts into your own new bone. We'll review you regularly during this stage to make sure everything's healing as it should.
Step 5 - Implant placement (if staged separately)
Once the new bone has matured, your implant can be placed into a strong, stable foundation. From here, your treatment follows the standard dental implant journey.
A minimally invasive approach where possible
Our quiet philosophy is to use the simplest technique that delivers a properly reliable result. We won't recommend a lateral window sinus lift if an internal lift would work, and we won't recommend either if shorter implants are a safe alternative. Equally, we won't cut corners on the foundation if more substantial work is genuinely needed for long-term implant success.
What's recovery like after a sinus lift?
It depends on the technique used:
- Internal sinus lift - usually a mild recovery, very similar to standard implant placement. Most patients are back to normal activities within a day or two
- Lateral window sinus lift - a slightly longer recovery, with more noticeable swelling. Most patients take three to five days before returning to normal activities
In all cases, you'll go home with clear written aftercare instructions, gentle pain relief advice, and a direct number to call if anything worries you. A few specific tips for sinus lift recovery: avoid blowing your nose forcefully, avoid flying for two weeks, and avoid strenuous exercise while the graft settles.
Sedation for nervous patients in Twickenham and Richmond
If you're feeling anxious about the procedure, please know you're far from alone. IV sedation with Dr Frances Carling-Thom can help you feel deeply relaxed throughout, with most patients remembering very little of the appointment afterwards.
How much does a sinus lift cost in Richmond?
We're a fully private practice with transparent, upfront pricing:
- Implant consultation - £95
- 3D CBCT diagnostic scan - £125
- Sinus augmentation - from £600
- Dental implant - from £1,500
- Abutment and crown - from £1,500
- IV sedation - from £500
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a sinus lift for upper back implants?
No - many patients have enough natural bone and don't need one. The only way to know for sure is a 3D CBCT scan, which shows exactly how much bone is available. Where it's borderline, shorter implants or careful angling may avoid the need for a sinus lift altogether.
Is a sinus lift uncomfortable?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel sharpness or pain at the time. Most patients describe mild tenderness or swelling for a few days afterwards. IV sedation is available if you'd prefer to feel deeply relaxed throughout.
How long does the bone need to heal before an implant can be placed?
For an internal sinus lift, the implant is usually placed at the same time - so there's no separate waiting period. For a lateral window sinus lift, healing typically takes four to nine months before the implant can be placed.
Are short implants as reliable as longer implants with a sinus lift?
In suitable cases, yes - research shows comparable long-term success rates. Modern shorter implants are designed specifically for situations where bone height is limited, and they can often avoid the need for more invasive sinus work. We'll always discuss what's genuinely best for your case.
What graft material is used in a sinus lift?
Several different materials can be used, including synthetic options, processed donor bone, or bovine-derived material - all carefully regulated and safe. We'll always explain what we'd recommend for your specific case and answer any questions, including if you have religious or dietary preferences we should consider.
Are there risks with sinus augmentation?
When properly planned and carried out, sinus augmentation is a predictable, well-established procedure. As with any surgery, there are small risks - including sinus membrane perforation, infection, or graft healing problems - but these are uncommon with careful planning and experienced technique.
What if I have a sinus condition or chronic congestion?
Please tell us at your consultation. Sinus problems, allergies or previous sinus surgery can affect treatment planning, and in some cases we may suggest seeing an ENT specialist first. The good news is that most patients with mild sinus issues can still have implants safely.