Sinus Lifts
Rebuilding Bone, Restoring Smiles with Expert Oral Surgery
If you’ve been told you need dental implants but don’t have enough bone in your upper jaw, you’re not alone. Many patients face this challenge, especially in the back area of the upper jaw, where bone tends to be thinner and more fragile. Fortunately, there’s a highly effective surgical solution: Sinus Lifts.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we specialize in Sinus Lifts as part of our comprehensive Oral Surgery services. With a team of formally trained Oral Surgeons and EENT Consultants, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and patient-centered care, we help restore the bone volume needed for safe and successful dental implant placement.
Whether you’re preparing for a single implant or a full-arch restoration, our expert team is here to ensure that you receive the highest standard of care—comfortably, safely, and effectively.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A Sinus Lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the posterior maxilla (upper back teeth). The bone is placed between your jaw and the maxillary sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located just above your upper molars and premolars.
To make room for the new bone, the sinus membrane is gently lifted—hence the name “sinus lift.” The procedure is most commonly performed when there is:
• Bone loss due to tooth extractions or periodontal disease
• Anatomical proximity of the sinus cavity to the implant site
• A need to support dental implants in the upper back region
Once the grafted bone integrates with your existing bone (usually over several months), it provides a strong foundation for placing dental implants.
Why Are Sinus Lifts Necessary?
When teeth are missing in the upper back area, the surrounding bone begins to shrink due to a lack of stimulation. Over time, this area may lose so much bone that dental implants cannot be placed safely without additional support.
There are two major reasons why bone may be insufficient in the upper jaw:
- Bone Resorption After Tooth Loss
As with any part of the jaw, the bone in the upper back region begins to deteriorate after a tooth is lost or extracted. The longer you go without replacing the tooth, the more bone is lost. - Proximity of the Maxillary Sinus
In many patients, the maxillary sinus is naturally located very close to the upper teeth. When teeth are lost, the sinus can expand downward, leaving minimal space between the jawbone and the sinus cavity.
In either case, a Sinus Lift creates the necessary space and volume to ensure a safe and stable site for dental implant placement.
Why Choose Affinity Dental Clinics for Sinus Lifts?
Our Sinus Lift procedures are performed by a team of formally trained and experienced Oral Surgeons. With skill, precision, and compassion, they handle both routine and complex cases to ensure the best outcomes for every patient.
We use advanced imaging and surgical technology to plan and execute your procedure with safety and precision:
- Digital X-rays for fast, low-radiation imaging
- Cone Beam CT Scans (CBCT) for 3D visualization of bone and sinus anatomy
- Sterile surgical rooms with high-level infection control
- Premium graft materials: autografts, allografts, and synthetic options
These tools allow us to deliver predictable results while minimizing complications.
Surgery can feel intimidating—that’s why we offer Conscious Sedation, administered by a board-certified Anesthesiologist. This light sedation keeps you calm, relaxed, and pain-free throughout the procedure, without putting you fully asleep.
What to Expect During a Sinus Lift
Your Sinus Lift journey at Affinity Dental Clinics includes a thorough consultation, customized treatment planning, and professional aftercare.
Your surgeon will evaluate your medical and dental history and review CBCT scans to assess your bone height, sinus anatomy, and readiness for the procedure.
Based on your individual needs, we’ll design a surgical plan that includes:
- Type of graft material to be used
- Whether implants will be placed simultaneously or at a later date
- Sedation preferences and post-operative care
On the day of surgery, here’s what you can expect:
- Local anesthesia, with Conscious Sedation if chosen
- A small opening made in the gum and bone to access the sinus floor
- Careful lifting of the sinus membrane
- Placement of bone graft material in the new space
- Suturing and protection of the area for healing
The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on complexity and whether implants are placed at the same time.
Healing and Recovery
Recovery from a Sinus Lift is generally smooth, especially when post-operative instructions are followed carefully. Most patients experience:
• Minor bleeding or nasal congestion
• A need to avoid blowing the nose or sneezing forcefully
• A soft diet and gentle oral hygiene for 1 to 2 weeks
Bone integration takes about 4 to 6 months, during which your body creates new bone around the graft material. Once healed, we can proceed with placing your dental implant(s).
Types of Sinus Lifts We Perform
This technique is used when bone height is significantly limited. A small “window” is created in the lateral wall of the sinus, and the membrane is lifted to place the graft.
Used when only a small bone augmentation is needed. The sinus is accessed from the same site as the planned implant, and the graft is placed with specialized instruments.
The right technique depends on your anatomy, bone volume, and whether implants will be placed at the same time. Our oral surgeons will recommend the best option for your case.
Are You a Candidate for a Sinus Lift?
You may need a Sinus Lift if you:
• Want dental implants in the upper molar or premolar area
• Lost upper teeth years ago and have had bone shrinkage
• Have naturally large sinus cavities or thin jawbone
• Are undergoing All-on-X or full arch implant rehabilitation
We’ll confirm your candidacy through 3D imaging and provide a clear, customized treatment plan.
Sinus Lift – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the premolars and molars by lifting the sinus membrane. This is done to create enough bone height to support a dental implant.
Why do I need a sinus lift before getting a dental implant?
You may need a sinus lift if you don’t have enough natural bone in your upper jaw or if your sinuses are too close to the jaw to support an implant. This is common for patients who’ve experienced bone loss due to tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or natural anatomy.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for a sinus lift?
During your consultation at Affinity Dental Clinics, we will assess your case through a clinical exam and advanced imaging (such as CBCT scans) to determine if your bone volume is adequate for implants. If not, a sinus lift may be recommended.
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and sedation options such as twilight sedation are available for added comfort. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and manageable with prescribed medication.
How long is the recovery after a sinus lift?
Initial healing usually takes about 1–2 weeks, but full bone integration may require 4–6 months before an implant can be placed. This timeline may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the graft.
What materials are used in a sinus lift?
Bone graft materials can include autogenous bone (your own), donor bone (allograft), bovine-derived bone (xenograft), or synthetic bone substitutes. Your oral surgeon will discuss the most suitable option for your case.
Are there risks or complications with sinus lifts?
As with any surgical procedure, risks exist but are minimal when done by experienced oral surgeons. Possible complications include sinus membrane perforation, infection, or minor post-operative bleeding. These are rare and manageable.
Can a dental implant be placed at the same time as a sinus lift?
In some cases with adequate residual bone, the implant may be placed simultaneously with the sinus lift. Otherwise, a healing period is necessary before implant placement. This decision is made based on your clinical evaluation.
How do I care for myself after a sinus lift?
You will be advised to avoid blowing your nose, sneezing forcefully, or applying pressure to the sinuses. Soft foods, good oral hygiene, and follow-up visits are important for proper healing. Detailed post-operative instructions will be provided.
Is a sinus lift safe?
Yes, sinus lifts are safe when performed by trained and experienced oral surgeons. At Affinity Dental Clinics, our team follows strict surgical protocols and uses advanced imaging for precise planning and minimal risk.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’ve been told that you don’t have enough bone for dental implants—don’t worry. With Sinus Lifts at Affinity Dental Clinics, you can regain the foundation you need to restore your smile.
Our team of expert Oral Surgeons and EENT Consultants will guide you through every step, using advanced diagnostics, surgical skill, and compassionate care to ensure the best outcome possible.
Let us help you preserve what matters most—your health, your smile, and your future.
Book an Appointment
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Frequently Asked Questions
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