ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON in Deer Park, NY
When dental implants are the goal, but the upper jaw has lost too much bone height, a sinus lift may be the procedure standing between you and a fully restored smile. Bone loss in the back of the upper jaw is surprisingly common, especially after teeth have been missing for an extended period, and it can make implant placement impossible without intervention. A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, builds that bone back up by creating space between the jawbone and the sinus floor, allowing new bone to develop and provide a stable base for implants.
Dr. Mohamed El-Ounsi, a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, performs sinus lifts as part of a comprehensive approach to dental implant treatment. Trained as Chief Resident at NYU Langone and Bellevue, one of the most rigorous OMS programs in the country, Dr. El-Ounsi brings a high level of surgical precision and individualized care to every procedure.
- Enhanced Implant Success
- Improved Aesthetics
- Restored Chewing Ability
- Prevents Further Bone Loss
- Versatility in Treatment Options
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure performed in the upper back jaw, beneath the maxillary sinuses, which are the hollow spaces above your upper teeth. When teeth in this area are lost or removed, the underlying bone can shrink over time, and the sinus cavity can expand downward into the space once occupied by tooth roots. This leaves insufficient bone height to place implants of adequate length.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward, and bone graft material is placed in the space created beneath it. Over the following months, the graft fuses with the existing bone, generating enough volume to support implants securely. Research published in the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed Central confirms that both direct and indirect sinus lift approaches yield reliable implant success rates when matched appropriately to the patient’s bone height.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON in Deer Park, NY
Who Needs a Sinus Lift?
Not every implant patient requires a sinus lift, but it is a necessary step for many individuals replacing upper back teeth. A thorough evaluation will determine whether your anatomy calls for this procedure before implant placement can proceed.
Several factors commonly indicate the need for sinus augmentation:
- Significant bone loss: Missing teeth for a long period leads to gradual resorption of the jawbone, particularly in the upper posterior region
- Low sinus floor: Some patients naturally have a sinus floor that sits closer to the jaw, leaving less room for implant anchoring
- Prior extractions or gum disease: Both conditions can compromise bone density and height in ways that require augmentation before implants
- Failed or removed implants: Previous implant loss can leave behind areas of reduced bone that need to be rebuilt
Each patient’s bone anatomy is unique, which is why a detailed 3D imaging evaluation is always part of the process before any treatment plan is finalized.
The Sinus Lift Process at Precision OMF Surgery
Dr. El-Ounsi performs sinus lifts using state-of-the-art digital imaging and advanced surgical techniques to ensure accuracy at every stage. The approach, whether a lateral window technique for more significant augmentation or a minimally invasive crestal approach for moderate cases, is selected based on each patient’s individual anatomy and implant goals.
Comfort During the Procedure
Patient comfort is a priority throughout every surgical visit. IV sedation is available to ensure you remain relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Most patients report far less discomfort than they anticipated, and post-operative instructions are provided clearly to support a smooth healing process.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON in Deer Park, NY
Healing and Implant Timing
After a sinus lift, a healing period is needed to allow the graft to integrate with the existing bone before immediate implants or standard implant placement can proceed. Depending on the degree of augmentation required and how quickly your body heals, this period can range from several months to close to a year. In some cases, where bone height allows, implants may be placed at the same time as the sinus lift. Dr. El-Ounsi evaluates each case individually and clearly communicates what to expect at every step.
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON in Deer Park, NY
Sinus Lifts and Bone Grafting Working Together
A sinus lift is itself a form of bone augmentation, and it is often performed alongside a bone grafting procedure. The graft material placed beneath the lifted sinus membrane may come from your own body, a donor source, or a biocompatible synthetic material. Dr. El-Ounsi takes a personalized approach to sourcing biomaterials, selecting the option best suited to your biology and treatment goals. This commitment to individualized care extends throughout the process, from the initial consultation through final implant restoration.
For patients who have been told they do not have enough bone for dental implants, a sinus lift can be the solution that makes treatment possible. Advances in surgical technique and graft materials have made sinus augmentation a predictable, well-established procedure with strong long-term outcomes.
Schedule Your Sinus Lift Consultation at Precision OMF Surgery
Precision OMF Surgery offers patients on Long Island a level of surgical care rooted in advanced training, board certification, and a genuine commitment to individual outcomes. Dr. El-Ounsi’s background, spanning NYU Langone, Bellevue Hospital, and a fellowship with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, means your care is guided by someone who has trained at the highest level and continues to stay at the forefront of the field. Financing options through CareCredit, Cherry, Alphaeon, Proceed, and HFD are available to help make treatment accessible.
If you have been told implants may not be possible because of bone loss in your upper jaw, a sinus lift evaluation could change that conversation entirely. To take the next step and discuss whether sinus augmentation is the right fit for your implant goals, contact our office today.