A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. It is also known as a sinus augmentation, sinus elevation, sinus graft, or maxillary sinus floor augmentation. The sinuses in the upper jaw are air-filled spaces lying next to the nose, above the upper premolar and molar teeth, and below the eye. The bone inside the sinuses is lined by a thin membrane. This lining is raised or ‘lifted’ in sinus lift procedures to create space for bone and dental implants. Sinus lifts are performed either before or at the same time as implant placement. The procedure is performed when there is insufficient bone height and bone thickness in the upper jaw, or if the sinuses are too close to the upper jaw, to support a dental implant. The bone material is added between the upper jaw and the maxillary sinuses. The timeframe from this procedure to dental restoration varies from 6-12 months, but can be longer. Sinus lifts are performed by specialists such as periodontists or oral surgeons.