The unfortunately named sinus lift is actually the most predictable of all the grafting procedures. When we are born, our sinuses are just barely formed. They continue to expand throughout life and in many adults have expanded to surround the roots of the upper back teeth. When these teeth are removed and a dental implant is contemplated, there may not be enough bone to allow an appropriately long implant to be placed. In these cases, a sinus lift would be indicated. Done appropriately, the sinus is avoided entirely. The procedure involves meticulously moving the sinus floor out of harms way so that a grafting material and/or dental implant can be placed underneath it. This is most commonly done in conjunction with implant placement in a single procedure but it may be necessary to perform first, with implant placement to follow several months later. While it sounds complex, the complication rate is astonishingly low. In some cases it may even be done with no incisions. Discuss the options with your surgeon to fully understand the procedure and what to expect.