When a tooth is initially lost, the jaw’s alveolar bone starts to remodel and the vacant tooth socket collapses as the area heals, forming a thin ridge.

The collapse of this area leads to a loss in the height and width of the alveolar bone. Furthermore, when a maxillary molar or premolar is lost, the maxillary sinus fills up the area, which decreases the height of the bone. This lack of volume of bone makes it difficult to place adequately sized implants to allow for optimal osseointegration (integration into the bone) and mechanical strength sufficient to allow fully functioning tooth-like crowns.

In order to correct this, the sinus membrane is lifted up, hence the name sinus lift, and bone is grafted to add bone volume in the area. After this procedure is finished being performed, the area is then suitable for large, functioning dental implants to be put in.