Differences between sinus lift and socket lift

Sinus lift

Procedures for sinus lift

• The sinus lift technique approaches from alveolar lateral side to the maxillary sinus
• The sinus lift technique is used in cases in which the thickness of the upper jaw is less than 5 mm or multiple tooth lost.

The lateral side of the upper gum is incised to expose the bone surface and form a window of about 10 – 30 mm2 in the alveolar bone.
The window is opened to expose the Schneiderian membrane (maxillary sinus mucosa), and then the alveolar bone and Schneiderian membrane are carefully exfoliated to pack grafting bone. Bone is formed over the following 3 – 6 months. Thereafter, as an implant is placed, the treatment takes about 9 months.

Socket lift

Procedures for socket lift

• The socket lift technique approaches from the alveolar crest or the extraction cavity to the maxillary sinus.
• The socket lift technique is applicable in cases where the bone height to the Schneiderian membrane is greater than 5 mm.
• The socket lift technique can have a shorter treatment period and less pain/swelling due to the smaller wound compared with the sinus lift technique.

The cavity (space after tooth extraction) is gradually filled with grafted bone to push up the Schneiderian membrane to obtain sufficient bone thickness for implant placement. Following implant placement, it takes about 4 months before it is possible to chew normally.