Dr. Katie To explains how a sinus lift adds bone to your upper jaw so you can get dental implants even when you don't have enough bone. She compares implants to fence posts: they need deep, dense bone to stay stable. If a dentist says you're not a candidate, ask specifically about a sinus lift.
You are told you do not have enough bone for an implant. What you are not told is that a periodontist can build it. A sinus lift is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the areas of the back teeth where the sinus cavity sits close to the jaw. It creates the foundation needed for an implant to integrate successfully and last long term. Imagine trying to anchor a fence post in soil that is only 2 inches deep. It might stand for a while, but it will never be truly stable. A sinus lift deepens that soil. It gives the implant the depth and density it needs to become a permanent part of your jaw, not just something on top of insufficient structure. If you are told that you are not a candidate for implants because of bone loss in your upper jaw, ask specifically about the sinus lift. Being told by one provider does not mean no is the final answer.
