Sinus Lift

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw (in the area of your molars and premolars). It’s typically performed when there isn’t enough bone height or when the sinus is too close to where dental implants need to go.

During the procedure:

• The sinus membrane is gently lifted.
• Bone graft material is placed underneath.
• Over time, the graft fuses with your natural bone, creating a solid foundation for implants.

Benefits of a Sinus Lift

• Enables secure placement of dental implants
• Restores lost bone volume in the upper jaw
• You are not able to wear dentures or other teeth replacements
• Improves long-term implant success
• Promotes overall oral and facial wellness

What Causes Bone Loss in the Upper Jaw?

• Missing teeth → bone resorption from lack of stimulation
• Gum disease → destroys bone and gum tissue
• Sinus expansion → natural downward growth over time
• Injury or trauma → loss of bone volume

Signs That a Sinus Lift is Needed

Sinus lifts are ideal for patients who need additional bone support in their upper arch for dental implants. X-rays and exams will determine if you are a candidate for this common procedure. There are a few different signs that may indicate that you need a sinus lift. These include:

• You have lost bone due to tooth loss, disease, or injury
• You have had dental implants in the past that have failed
• You are not able to wear dentures or other teeth replacements
• Your teeth are loose

What Happens During Sinus Lift Treatment?
The sinus lift procedure involves lifting up the tissue that lines the sinuses, and then adding bone material to the exposed area. This bone material can come from your own body, or it can be artificial. Once the area has been filled in with bone, the tissue is put back in place and the incisions are closed. During a sinus lift, advanced technology allows us to access the sinus cavity without having to cut through the bone. This helps to minimize any damage to the surrounding tissue and speeds up healing time. The bone grafts used are also made of natural, biocompatible materials that are designed to encourage new bone growth.

Is a Sinus Lift Painful?

No, a sinus lift is not painful thanks to the help of local anesthesia. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but it is generally well tolerated. We will numb the area to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire process. Even after the procedure is complete, you should not experience excessive pain during recovery. The healing process is typically fairly short and easy to tolerate. If you do experience any pain, we can provide you with medication to help manage it.

Schedule a Consultation For a Sinus Lift

If you are considering a sinus lift or have been told that you need one, we encourage you to contact our office. Our team will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you schedule a consultation. With over 20 years of experience, we perform procedures gently and make sure you are comfortable here at A+ Family Dentistry.

Sinus Lifts & Dental Implants: The Connection

A sinus lift is often a crucial first step in dental implant treatment.

Without enough bone:

• Implants may not fuse properly
• The risk of implant failure increases

By building up the bone, sinus lifts help ensure:

• Long-lasting stability
• Stronger support for dental implants
• Natural-looking results

How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works

We assess your jaw with digital X-rays and 3D scans.

You’ll receive local anesthesia and, if desired, sedation.

We create a small opening and gently lift the sinus membrane.

We place bone graft material in the newly created space.

We close the site with sutures and start the healing process.

It takes 4–9 months for new bone to fully develop.

Healing & Recovery

Most patients report minimal discomfort. You may experience:

• Mild swelling
• Slight pressure or congestion
• Minor bleeding from the nose or mouth

Avoid:

• Blowing your nose forcefully
• Heavy lifting
• Sneezing with your mouth closed

We’ll provide complete aftercare instructions and monitor your recovery closely.

What to Expect After Surgery

• Swelling under the eyes or cheeks (subsides in days)
• Slight pressure or congestion
• Occasional nosebleeds or discharge
• Follow-up visits to monitor bone integration