53019 - Sinus Lift Procedure

The need for a bone graft to the floor of the maxillary sinus following elevation of the mucosal lining (sinus lift procedure) arises when a patient has insufficient bone height in the posterior maxilla—often due to tooth loss and resorption—preventing dental implant placement, requiring surgical augmentation under anesthesia with assistance in a hospital to lift the sinus membrane and add bone for implant support. This unilateral procedure is indicated for dental rehabilitation in the maxillofacial region, critical where bone volume supports chewing function and oral health.

Specific conditions driving this need include:

• Tooth loss resorption: Long-term absence of upper molars leads to sinus floor descent and bone thinning, necessitating a lift and graft to create space for implants.
• Implant preparation: Patients seeking implants in the posterior maxilla require sufficient bone height, prompting this procedure to build a stable foundation.
• Sinus proximity: Natural sinus expansion close to the ridge reduces implant anchorage, requiring elevation and grafting to safely place prosthetics.
• Functional restoration: Rebuilding bone restores chewing capacity and prevents further maxillary deterioration, enhancing overall oral function.

For example, a middle-aged patient missing upper back teeth might undergo a sinus lift with a bone graft to enable implant placement, improving bite strength, with the assistant ensuring precise membrane elevation to avoid sinus perforation. In an aged care setting, an elderly patient needing implants for denture stability could require this to enhance eating ability, tailored to their frailty and bone quality. By elevating the sinus lining and grafting bone—often from autogenous or synthetic sources—this service increases bone height, supports implant success, and restores masticatory function, making it a pivotal procedure for dental rehabilitation in the maxillofacial framework.

Increases bone height, supports implants, and restores chewing function.

Recovery of 4-6 weeks with swelling, sinus precautions, and bone integration; hospital stay typically required.