What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the premolars and molars. The maxillary sinuses sit directly above this region, and when teeth are lost, the sinus floor can drop and the bone beneath it can thin over time. A sinus lift raises the sinus membrane and places bone grafting material beneath it to increase the volume of bone available for implant placement.
Sinus Lift Surgery: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 procedure, plus follow-up |
| Time needed | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia, with sedation available |
| Recovery time | One to two weeks |
| Ready for an implant | After 4 to 9 months, or at the same visit in some cases |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Needs a Sinus Lift
The upper back teeth sit just below the maxillary sinus. After those teeth are lost, the bone shrinks and the sinus expands downward, leaving too little bone for an implant. A sinus lift restores that height.
- Missing upper molars or premolars
- Less than about 8 mm of bone height on a 3D scan
- Teeth that have been missing for years
- A naturally large sinus
- Bone lost to gum disease in the upper back jaw
Sinus Lift Surgery at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, sinus lifts are performed by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein, whose periodontal training and surgical expertise ensure the procedure is carried out with precision and care. The process involves creating a small opening in the bone to access the sinus membrane, gently lifting the membrane upward, and filling the space beneath it with bone grafting material. The grafted area then heals over several months, producing new bone that is dense enough to anchor an implant securely.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- 3D scan. Bone height and sinus anatomy are measured.
- Numbing. Local anesthesia is given, with sedation if chosen.
- Access. A small opening is made, either through the implant site or from the side of the jaw.
- Lift. The sinus membrane is gently raised.
- Graft. Bone graft is placed in the space created.
- Healing. Bone matures over four to nine months; in some cases the implant is placed at the same visit.
Two sinus lift techniques
| Technique | Access | Used when | Implant at the same visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crestal (internal) lift | Through the implant site | A small gain in height is needed | Usually |
| Lateral window lift | Through the side of the jaw | A larger gain is needed | Sometimes |
A sinus lift sounds dramatic. In practice it is one of the most routine and predictable procedures in implant dentistry.
Recovery and Aftercare
After surgery
The first 24 hours
- Do not blow your nose
- Sneeze with your mouth open
- Use cold packs and sleep with your head raised
The following days and weeks
- Avoid nose blowing, flying, diving and heavy lifting for about two weeks
- Take prescribed medications and decongestants as directed
- Do not smoke
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Graft granules appear in your nose
- Persistent nosebleed
- Increasing pain or pressure, fever, or a bad taste
A Common Step in Upper Jaw Implants
Sinus lifts are one of the most common preparatory procedures in upper jaw implant dentistry. Patients who have been told they lack sufficient bone for implants in the back of the upper jaw are frequently excellent candidates for a sinus lift followed by implant placement. In some cases, the sinus lift and implant placement can be performed simultaneously if enough existing bone is present to achieve primary implant stability.
Cost and Insurance
Implant treatment is priced in stages: the surgery, any grafting that is needed, and the teeth that are attached. You receive a written plan that lists each stage before treatment starts.
What affects the cost
- The number of implants
- Whether bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed
- The type of restoration: a crown, a bridge or a full arch
- 3D imaging, surgical guides and sedation, where used
Coverage for implants varies widely between plans. Some cover the crown but not the implant, and some have a yearly maximum. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
