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Replacing missing teeth in the upper back jaw—where your molars and premolars reside—presents unique anatomical challenges. The bone in the upper jaw is naturally thinner and lighter than in the lower jaw. Furthermore, the maxillary sinus cavities sit directly above your upper teeth. When upper teeth are lost to decay, trauma, or extractions, the surrounding jawbone rapidly shrinks, causing the sinus floor to drop down into the space where tooth roots used to be.
If you have been told that you lack enough bone depth in your upper jaw for dental implants, sinus lift surgery is the solution. At Federal Way Dental Excellence, our board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Michael Yeh performs precise, gentle sinus lifts to restore missing bone height, creating a solid foundation for permanent dental implants.
What is a sinus lift (sinus augmentation)?
Your maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located behind your cheeks, directly above your upper back teeth. When natural upper teeth are removed, the ridge of bone that supported them melts away over time. Without intervention, there may only be a paper-thin layer of bone separating your mouth from your sinus cavity—far too little bone to safely support a titanium dental implant post.
Precision access
Using low-radiation 3D CBCT digital imaging, Dr. Yeh maps your sinus anatomy and creates a microscopic opening in the upper jawbone near the missing tooth site.
Elevating the membrane
The delicate membrane lining the sinus cavity (the Schneiderian membrane) is gently lifted upward, away from your jawbone.
Placing the graft material
Biocompatible bone grafting material is carefully filled into the newly created space beneath the raised sinus membrane.
Natural bone regeneration
Over the next several months, your body integrates the graft material, creating new, dense natural jawbone that safely houses permanent dental implants.
Do not let bone loss prevent you from achieving a permanent, secure smile. We invite you to schedule a completely free, no-obligation sinus lift consultation with Dr. Michael Yeh. We will review your 3D digital imaging, assess your bone density, and provide a clear, honest treatment plan.
We also believe that necessary oral surgery should fit comfortably into your household budget. That is why we proudly offer flexible 0% interest special financing options. Our accommodating administrative team will help you navigate the quick application process, allowing you to split your treatment costs into affordable monthly payments with zero surprise interest!
* Some restrictions may apply. See office for more details.
Relaxing, anxiety-free surgery with IV sedation
We recognize that any procedure involving the sinuses can sound intimidating to patients. At Federal Way Dental Excellence, your comfort and peace of mind are paramount.
To ensure your surgical visit is entirely stress-free, we offer safe, highly monitored IV sedation dentistry. Administered right in our Federal Way office, IV sedation allows you to drift into a deep, peaceful state of relaxation. You will feel no pain, experience no pressure, and wake up with no memory of the surgical procedure.
Why might you need a sinus lift?
Your dentist in Federal Way evaluates your upper jaw architecture during your implant consultation. A sinus lift is commonly recommended if you experience any of the following.
Missing upper molars or premolars for months or years leads to progressive bone resorption.
Some individuals naturally have larger maxillary sinuses or thinner upper jawbones, requiring extra bone height before implant surgery.
Advanced gum disease bacteria can eat away at the supporting bone around upper teeth before they are extracted.
Toby V. said
"Super friendly staff who are amazingly accommodating! The woman who I spoke with on the phone let me know about specials they have for patients with no insurance. I think the greatest thing about this dentist's office in particular is that they won't nitpick you on pricing and are transparent with how their billing works."
Emergency Dental Care in Federal Way
Post-surgical support & sinus precautions
Following a sinus lift, taking proper care of your mouth and nose is essential to ensure the sinus membrane heals undisturbed. While minor spotting from the nose or mild swelling is normal for a few days, unexpected pressure or severe bleeding should be evaluated immediately. If you experience an emergency following sinus surgery, follow these steps.
For the first 1 to 2 weeks, do not blow your nose. If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open. Avoid drinking through straws.
If mild bleeding occurs from the surgical site, bite gently on a clean piece of damp gauze for 30 minutes.
Hold an ice pack wrapped in a cloth against your cheek in 15-minute intervals to reduce acute facial swelling and relieve soreness.
We maintain daily schedule openings to evaluate post-surgical concerns, manage swelling, and keep your healing safely on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Be in the know
The questions below cover essential details about Federal Way Dental Excellence, our specialist doctors, and practice policies. If you have questions regarding specific dental procedures, feel free to explore our dedicated service pages or contact our Federal Way team directly at (253) 838-1225.
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