Sinus Lift vs. Bone Graft: What’s the Difference and When Are They Needed?

Reviewed by Dr. Benjamin Foley

Reading time: 5 minutes

If you have been told you need a sinus lift or a bone graft before getting dental implants, you might wonder how these two procedures differ and why they are necessary. Both treatments help prepare your jawbone for long-term implant success, but they serve different purposes depending on where and how much bone support is missing.

Below, we will break down the key differences, when each is recommended, and what you can expect during and after treatment.

What Is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a procedure that rebuilds or replaces missing jawbone. It can be performed in any area of the mouth where bone loss has occurred.

Why it’s done

• To replace bone lost due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or trauma.
• To create enough bone height and width for dental implants.
• To preserve bone immediately after a tooth extraction.

How it works

Your oral surgeon adds bone material, either from your own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), an animal source (xenograft), or synthetic sources, to the area that lacks sufficient bone density. Over several months, your body replaces the graft with natural bone.

Common bone graft procedures

• Socket preservation: Done immediately after tooth removal and preserves your existing jaw bone.
• Ridge augmentation: Restores width and height to the jaw ridge. This is usually completed months to years after a tooth has been removed.
• Block graft: Uses a small block of bone for larger defects.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation) is a specialized type of bone graft performed in the upper back jaw, where the maxillary sinus sits above the molars and premolars.

Why it’s done

• To increase bone height in the upper jaw when the sinus floor is too close to the mouth.
• To make room for a dental implant without damaging the sinus membrane.
• To rebuild bone lost after years without upper back teeth.

How it works

The oral surgeon carefully opens a small window in the bone, gently lifts the sinus membrane upward, and places bone graft material beneath it. This adds height and volume to the area, creating a solid foundation for implants.

When Are They Needed?

You may need a bone graft if:

• You have had teeth missing for years
• Gum disease or infection has caused bone loss
• A traumatic injury damaged your jawbone

You may need a sinus lift if:

• You are missing upper back teeth and have low bone height
• Your sinus floor has expanded downward (sinus pneumatization)
• You have been told implants might risk puncturing your sinus

Once your surgeon has determined which procedure you need, the next step is planning the surgery and understanding what will happen before, during, and after treatment.

What to Expect During Surgery

Whether you are having a bone graft or a sinus lift, the process follows a clear sequence but the details vary depending on the type of procedure. Below is a step-by-step look at what typically happens so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

Before either a bone graft or sinus lift, your oral surgeon will:

• Review your medical history to check for health conditions or medications that could affect healing.
• Take 3D scans (cone-beam CT) to measure bone height, width, and density, and to map the position of your sinus.
• Plan your procedure based on your needs, including the type of graft material and whether the graft can be placed at the same time as your dental implant.
• Discuss anesthesia options such as local anesthesia, oral sedation, or IV sedation to ensure you are comfortable during surgery.

Bone Graft Procedure

If you need a bone graft:

1. The area is numbed with local anesthesia; sedation may also be used.
2. A small incision is made to gently open the gum tissue and expose the jawbone.
3. Bone graft material is placed in the prepared area.
4. A protective membrane may be added over the graft to help prevent infection and guide bone growth.
5. The gum tissue is repositioned and closed with sutures.

Sinus Lift Procedure

If you need a sinus lift:

1. The area is numbed, and sedation may be provided for added comfort.
2. The gum tissue is opened to access the upper jawbone near your molars or premolars.
3. A small window is created in the bone to reach the sinus cavity.
4. The sinus membrane is carefully lifted upward.
5. Bone graft material is placed into the new space beneath the lifted membrane.
6. The area is closed with sutures, and in some cases, a membrane is placed for added protection.

Recovery

During the first 48 hours, mild swelling, slight bleeding, and soreness are normal. Most patients manage discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. 

Healing times vary depending on the type of procedure. Bone grafts generally require about 4–6 months before implants can be placed, while sinus lifts often need 6–9 months. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to check your progress, remove stitches if necessary, and confirm that the new bone is ready to support dental implants.

Book an Appointment With Foley & Le in Boulder, CO

If you have been told you may need a sinus lift or bone graft before getting dental implants, our team can help you understand your options and design a treatment plan for long-term success.

To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.

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