Both are bone grafting procedures. The difference is where in the mouth they're performed. A standard graft adds bone material to areas of the jaw that have lost density, typically in the lower jaw or the front of the upper jaw. A sinus lift is a specific type of bone graft for the upper back jaw, where the sinus cavity sits just above the tooth roots.
When a Standard Bone Graft Is Needed
If you've lost bone due to missing teeth, gum disease, or trauma, a bone graft rebuilds the area so it can support a dental implant. The graft material—which may come from your own body, a donor source, or a biocompatible synthetic—is placed where additional bone is needed. Over time, your body generates new bone cells that integrate with the graft.
When We Recommend a Sinus Lift
The back portion of your upper jaw naturally has less bone, and the sinus cavity is located just above it. When teeth are missing in this area, the sinus can expand downward, leaving even less bone to work with. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material beneath it, creating enough depth for implant placement.
Have questions about bone grafting or sinus lifts? Call our Mayfield Heights, OH, office at (440) 585-4200. We welcome patients from Gates Mills, Chesterland, Hunting Valley, Kirtland, and beyond.