Sinus Lift Surgery
Rebuild bone structure with sinus lift surgery to prepare for stable dental implants.
Book ConsultationSinus lift surgery is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of molars and premolars. By lifting the sinus membrane and grafting bone, it creates a stable foundation for secure dental implant placement.
Sinus lift surgery raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material in the upper jaw. This creates additional bone support for implants, making it possible to replace missing teeth in areas with bone loss.
Sinus lift surgery adds bone to the upper jaw to support implants. By creating space below the sinuses, it strengthens the foundation for tooth replacement. This procedure makes dental implants possible for patients with bone loss in the upper jaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may need a sinus lift if there isn't enough bone in your upper back jaw to hold an implant securely. After molars or premolars are lost, the bone there can shrink and the sinus above it can expand downward, leaving too little height. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and adds bone graft beneath it, creating room and support for the implant. Your dentist confirms the need with digital imaging of the bone.
Sinus lift surgery is usually not very painful, because the area is numbed and sedation is available; most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Afterward, mild swelling, tenderness, stuffiness, or a minor nosebleed are common for a few days and are usually managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. At SoCal Prime Dentistry, you can choose laughing gas, oral sedation, or IV sedation for added comfort, depending on your needs and health history.
After a sinus lift, avoid anything that puts pressure on your sinus while the graft heals: don't blow your nose, drink through a straw, or smoke, and sneeze with your mouth open. Skip strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the first several days, and ask before flying or diving. Eat soft foods away from the surgical site and take any prescribed medications as directed. Call the office if you notice heavy bleeding or worsening swelling.
Implants are usually placed several months after a sinus lift, once the graft has fused with your natural bone. The exact wait depends on how much bone was added and how quickly you heal. When enough original bone is present, the sinus lift and the implant can sometimes be done in the same visit. Follow-up visits and digital imaging confirm when your upper jaw is ready to support an implant securely.
The cost of a sinus lift depends on how much bone is needed, the graft material, whether implants are placed at the same time, and any sedation you choose. Insurance coverage varies: some plans include bone grafting and others don't. SoCal Prime Dentistry gives you a written estimate before treatment, checks your insurance benefits, and offers CareCredit and Sunbit financing, along with an in-house membership plan for patients without insurance.
