![set of teeth with a back one missing](//www.elite-dental.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sinus-lift-cut-sheet/Image_002.jpg)
When a molar or premolar has been lost in the upper jaw, sometimes the bone becomes too thin to support a dental implant. The sinus pocket above could be damaged if an implant were placed.
![a cross section of a gum](//www.elite-dental.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sinus-lift-cut-sheet/Image_004.jpg)
A procedure called a sinus lift can add bone to the area and make it stable enough to place an implant.
![gums being worked on by a tool](//www.elite-dental.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sinus-lift-cut-sheet/Image_006.jpg)
First, an access opening in the area above the missing tooth is created, through which synthetic or sterile harvested bone material can be placed.
![bones opened by a tool](//www.elite-dental.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sinus-lift-cut-sheet/Image_008.jpg)
With the access opening created, the sinus membrane is gently lifted upwards, while the bone material is packed in beneath it.
![cross section of a membrane](//www.elite-dental.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sinus-lift-cut-sheet/Image_010.jpg)
A healing membrane is placed over the access opening, and the area is sutured and allowed to heal.
![cross section of healing gums](//www.elite-dental.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sinus-lift-cut-sheet/Image_012.jpg)
During this time, the bone material solidifies beneath the sinus and permanently blends into your natural bone tissue.
![healthy set of gums and teeth](//www.elite-dental.com/sites/default/public/education-videos/sinus-lift-cut-sheet/Image_014.jpg)
Once the site has fully healed, the bone will have regained its original strength and stability, and further procedures such as a dental implant can be initiated.
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