← All explanationsSinus lift

What is lifted during a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is a bone augmentation procedure in the back of the upper jaw. The lining at the floor of the maxillary sinus is lifted so that bone can be built up beneath it when height is lacking for a planned implant.

For dental trainees & teams

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The sinus lies above the roots

The air-filled maxillary sinus lies above the upper back teeth. After tooth loss, the remaining bone height may be limited for an implant.

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The lining is lifted

A sinus lift creates a protected space beneath the raised lining for bone augmentation. The sinus cavity is not simply filled completely.

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The findings guide the sequence

Whether an implant can be placed at the same time or later depends on the findings. Lining injury, infection and healing problems are possible risks.

Watch the short film Download infographic (German)

At a glance

What is the purpose?

To allow more bone height for a planned implant restoration in the back of the upper jaw.

When is it considered?

When bone height beneath the sinus is limited, following examination and necessary imaging.

What needs discussion beforehand?

The technique, material, sinus findings, risks and whether augmentation and implant placement will be separate.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.

Short film (German): What is lifted during a sinus lift?

Open the short film directly: Landscape film (MP4, German) · Portrait film (MP4, German)

Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above

Often confused

Sinus lift or general bone augmentation?

A sinus lift uses the area beneath the sinus lining. Other procedures may increase the width of a narrow jaw ridge, for example.

Quick answers

Is the whole sinus filled with material?

No. Augmentation is limited to a space beneath the lifted sinus lining.

Can a sinus lift be done in the lower jaw?

The term describes a procedure involving the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw. Other augmentation methods apply to the lower jaw.

Can an implant be placed straight afterwards?

There is no single answer. The remaining bone and achievable stability determine the sequence.

At the practice

For your consultation

A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:

How does the maxillary sinus affect the planning of my replacement teeth?

At the practice, the findings, personal wishes and possible next steps are discussed through a consultation and examination.

The need for augmentation can only be assessed from individual findings.

Discuss the findings and optionsArrange an appointment with the practice

Meet Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour

Learning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge

Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.

Maxillary sinus: An air-filled cavity in the upper jaw.
Sinus membrane: The thin tissue lining the sinus.
Residual bone height: The height of existing bone between the mouth-facing ridge and the sinus floor.

Know the difference

A sinus lift raises the lining; it does not move the entire sinus.

Knowledge questionWhere is the augmentation space created?

This question supports learning. It does not assess personal symptoms.

Inside the tooth crown.
Inside the lower jaw nerve.
Beneath the lifted sinus lining.

Show answer and explanation

Beneath the lifted sinus lining.

The space lies between existing bone and the raised lining at the sinus floor.

Sources for further learning

Sources and context

Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.