Sinus Lifts

A sinus lift is a procedure that creates more room in your upper jaw for dental implants by gently lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone material underneath. When you lose upper back teeth, your sinuses can expand downward, leaving insufficient bone height for implants. We carefully lift the sinus floor and place bone graft material to build up the area. This creates the solid foundation needed for successful implant placement.

About 40% of patients need sinus lifts when getting implants in the upper back area. It depends on your natural sinus size and how much bone you’ve lost since losing teeth. Dr. Fenton uses 3D imaging to measure the exact bone height available. If there’s less than 5mm of bone between your sinus and where your tooth used to be, you’ll likely need a sinus lift. Sometimes we can do a minor lift at the same time as implant placement.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. We use local anesthesia to completely numb the area, and Dr. Fenton offers sedation options if you’re feeling anxious. You might experience some congestion and mild discomfort for a few days afterward, similar to having a tooth extracted. Some patients notice a slight feeling of fullness in their sinuses, but this goes away as healing progresses.

Sinus lifts typically need 4-6 months to heal completely before we can place implants. The actual procedure usually takes 60-90 minutes depending on the complexity. During healing, new bone grows and integrates with the graft material we placed. You’ll need to avoid blowing your nose forcefully for the first week and follow specific aftercare instructions to protect the healing area.

The main restriction is avoiding anything that creates pressure in your sinuses for the first 2 weeks. Don’t blow your nose, sneeze with your mouth closed, or use straws. Avoid flying if possible for the first week. No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about a week. You can return to normal activities gradually, but we’ll give you detailed instructions about when it’s safe to resume different activities.

Sinus lifts typically cost between $1,500-$3,000 per side, depending on the complexity and amount of bone grafting needed. This is separate from the cost of the actual implants, which are placed later. While it adds to your overall treatment investment, a properly done sinus lift ensures your implants will be successful long-term. Many patients find it worthwhile to do both sides at once if they need multiple upper implants.

Insurance coverage for sinus lifts varies significantly between plans. Some dental insurance plans cover sinus lifts when they’re necessary for implant placement, typically at 50% under major services. Others may consider it a separate procedure with limited coverage. Medical insurance occasionally covers sinus procedures when there’s a medical necessity beyond dental implants. Our team will check your specific benefits and help you understand your coverage options before treatment.