Sinus Lift Surgery in Lakewood, WA

For many patients in Lakewood and Tacoma, replacing missing back teeth in the upper jaw can be a unique challenge. The bone in this area is naturally thinner, and the proximity of the maxillary sinuses, the air-filled cavities above your teeth, can leave very little room for a dental implant. If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone for upper implants, Sinus Lift Surgery (also known as Sinus Augmentation) is the solution. At the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we perform this specialized procedure to “lift” the sinus floor and add new bone, creating the height necessary for a rock-solid dental implant.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Necessary?

When upper back teeth are lost, the jawbone begins to shrink. To make matters worse, the sinus cavity can actually expand or “pneumatize” into that empty space, leaving only a paper-thin wall of bone. As a Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kevin Kim uses a sinus lift to reverse this process. By carefully adding bone graft material between your jaw and the maxillary sinus, he creates a sturdy foundation. This ensures your future Titanium or Zirconia Implant has enough “grip” to handle the heavy pressure of chewing without interfering with your sinus health.

Advanced Techniques for a Comfortable Experience

At Dental Health Associates, Dr. Kim utilizes two primary methods for sinus augmentation, depending on how much bone you currently have:

• Lateral Window Technique: Used when significant bone height is missing. Dr. Kim creates a small “window” in the bone to gently lift the sinus membrane and place a substantial graft.
• Internal (Osteotome) Technique: A less invasive approach used when only a few millimeters of extra height are needed. The sinus is lifted through the same small hole created for the implant.
• PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin): We often use your own growth factors to protect the sinus membrane and speed up the conversion of the graft into natural, living bone.

Precision Planning and Recovery

Dr. Kevin Kim uses CBCT 3D Imaging to map your sinus anatomy with millimeter precision. This allows him to see the exact location of the sinus floor and any internal structures, ensuring a safe and predictable surgery. While it sounds complex, most of our patients from University Place and Steilacoom find the recovery to be very similar to a standard extraction. Once the new bone has integrated, usually after a few months, your jaw will be ready to support a beautiful, permanent tooth.

We believe that specialized care leads to lifelong results. To learn more about the safety and success rates of sinus augmentation, you can visit the American Academy of Periodontology or read the Mayo Clinic’s guide to dental implant surgery. Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS is here to provide the expert surgical care needed to make your dream of a complete smile a reality.