The maxillary sinus is located above and sometimes next to the roots of the upper back teeth. It is a space inside the bone. If there is insufficient bone thickness to place an implant, part of this space can be filled up with new bone. Using graft material to help provide support during the creation of new bone thickness in this space is called a Sinus Lift. Unlike teeth, implants must have good bone thickness around the entire implant.

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The x-ray above shows a failing bridge which will need to be removed. The sinus (a space) has expanded to a point where no bone exists in one area and minimal bone exists next to it. Additional bone will be required before a future implant can be placed.