When a tooth is missing in the upper rear portion of the mouth, sometimes there is not enough bone available to support a dental implant or an implant to be placed. The sinus pocket around the diminished bone could be damaged. A procedure called an osteotome sinus lift can be performed to add bone to the sinus and make it stable enough to place an implant. This procedure involves first creating an opening in the location where the implant will be placed. Then a special instrument called an osteotome is used to deliver and condensed synthetic or sterile harvested bone material through the opening and into the sinus. As the bone graft is delivered into the sinus, it gently lifts the membrane upward as it begins to occupy the space. Once the bone graft is placed, the implant is placed along with a special healing cap, and the area is allowed to heal during this time. The synthetic material solidifies around the implant and permanently blends into the natural bone tissue. After the site has fully healed, the bone will have regained its original strength and stability, and the replacement tooth can be loaded onto the implant. With your implant placement complete, your tooth is restored to ideal shape and function.