Sungshim Dental · Honolulu, Hawaii
More room to plan an upper back tooth replacement.
When an upper back tooth is missing, the space between the mouth and the sinus can affect implant planning. A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, may be considered when the available bone height is insufficient. Sungshim Dental’s implant center in Honolulu describes both crestal and lateral approaches as part of its implant care.
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What a sinus lift is for
The maxillary sinuses sit above the upper back teeth. Sinus augmentation creates space beneath the sinus membrane for bone development where support for an implant is needed. It is an implant-related procedure, not a general treatment for nasal congestion or sinus disease.
The decision depends on the planned tooth, remaining bone and the condition of the area. Not every upper implant needs a sinus lift.
The questions a scan should help answer
Where is the sinus relative to the proposed implant site?
How much supporting bone is present, and is additional treatment needed?
How will the planned implant position support the future crown or bridge?
Our existing implant center presents CBCT-based planning. Your dentist determines which imaging and additional assessment are appropriate. Tell the team about previous sinus surgery, symptoms or relevant medical treatment.
Crestal and lateral approaches
Different approaches can be used to access the area for sinus augmentation. Our implant center includes explanations of crestal and lateral sinus procedures. The approach is selected for the individual anatomy and treatment objective; one should not be chosen solely because it sounds simpler.
- Ask which approach is proposed and why.
- Ask whether graft material is needed and which material is planned.
- Ask what would change the treatment plan during or after surgery.
One procedure or several stages?
Sometimes implant placement can occur with sinus augmentation. In other cases a healing stage is required first. Ask for a timeline covering both the graft and the implant restoration, including what you will wear in the meantime. A website cannot predict the healing schedule for your case.
Risks, recovery and your next visit
Discuss sinus membrane injury, infection, healing problems and the possibility of further treatment with your dentist. Ask for written recovery instructions and a contact number for concerns. Follow your treating clinician’s instructions about activities and travel after surgery.
For a consultation, bring a medication list and any relevant imaging or previous treatment records. If you are traveling from another island, explain your schedule before arranging surgery.
At Sungshim Dental · Honolulu
Upper-jaw implant planning at Sungshim Dental
Our implant center presents both crestal and lateral sinus approaches alongside 3D CBCT planning. Dr. Jisu Kim’s clinical experience includes sinus lift surgery and bone grafting. At a consultation, the relevant question is how the anatomy and proposed replacement teeth affect the treatment options for your upper jaw.
Review the scan together
When CBCT is indicated, ask your dentist to explain the sinus position and the available bone in relation to the intended implant and tooth. The scan supports the clinical assessment.
Ask why an approach is proposed
Discuss the reason for any sinus procedure, the proposed sequence and alternatives. The technique and whether treatment is staged depend on the individual findings.
Connect surgery and restorative care
Our digital design resources and in-house lab help connect the restorative plan with implant planning. Ask what teeth you would use during healing and when the final restoration would be considered.
View our implant planning technology (Korean) →
Practice information: Sungshim Dental · Updated September 15, 2026
Questions patients ask
Does every upper-jaw implant require a sinus lift?
No. The need depends on the available bone, anatomy and intended implant position.
Is a sinus lift the same as bone grafting?
Sinus augmentation refers to the location and procedure used to create space beneath the sinus membrane. Bone grafting may be part of it; grafting in other parts of the jaw is a different situation.
Can I have the implant placed on the same day?
This may be possible in selected cases. Your dentist must assess support, stability and healing requirements before recommending simultaneous or staged treatment.
Discuss your options in Honolulu.
1070 N King St, Suite 207 · Honolulu, HI 96817. English and Korean consultations.
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General patient information. An individual examination is needed to determine treatment. AAP: sinus augmentation.