Sinus lift

Q: Is this the same as socket preservation?

No. [Socket preservation](/socket-preservation) fills the hole when a tooth comes out. A sinus lift adds height under the sinus, usually later.

A sinus lift raises the floor of the maxillary sinus and places graft material underneath so an implant in the upper back jaw has enough bone.

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Overview

The sinus is an air space above the upper back teeth. After those teeth are lost, the sinus can sit low and the remaining bone can be too short for an implant. A sinus lift makes room for graft material between the sinus lining and the jaw.

It is one kind of bone grafting, not a substitute for every upper implant. If the bone is already tall enough, a lift is not part of the plan.

Dr. Chad Curtis decides from the exam and a scan whether a lift, a different graft, or no graft fits that site.

Who it is for

A sinus lift is discussed when an implant is planned in the upper premolar or molar area and the bone under the sinus is too short.

Upper back teeth have been missing long enough for the sinus to expand downward
A scan shows the implant would otherwise enter the sinus
You were told you need a lift, or told you do not, and you want that plan reviewed

What to expect

The consultation includes an exam and imaging. If a lift is recommended, Dr. Curtis explains where the opening will be and whether the implant is placed the same day or after the graft has healed.

The procedure is done in the office, often with IV sedation. The sinus lining is lifted carefully and graft material is placed. A membrane may cover the site.

Healing of the graft is usually measured in months, not days. A later scan checks the bone before the implant is planned, unless the implant was stable enough to place at the same visit.

Recovery

The first days

Day of surgery: numbness, gauze if there is an opening in the mouth, and rest. Do not blow your nose.
Days 1–3: swelling in the cheek is common and often peaks around day three. A stuffy feeling on that side can happen.
First week: soft food, no straws, and no forceful nose blowing or sneezing with the mouth closed. Take medicines as prescribed.

The next weeks

The gum opening usually feels quieter after the first one to two weeks. The graft under the sinus is still healing for several months. You will not feel that part knitting together. Follow-up and a later scan, not a calendar promise, decide when an implant can go in.

Call us if

Bleeding from the nose or mouth does not slow with the instructions you were given
Swelling, pain, or congestion is worse after day three, or you have a fever
You see graft particles that keep coming out, or the gum opening looks open and is not closing
The lip or cheek is still numb the morning after surgery

Written instructions are reviewed before you leave. Graft care is also on the bone graft aftercare page. Download the extraction with bone graft PDF when that sheet matches your visit.

Read the aftercare instructions

Cost and insurance

A sinus lift costs more than placing an implant in bone that is already tall enough. The estimate depends on whether the implant is done the same day, how much graft is used, and whether sedation is planned.

What changes the fee is the work itself: whether grafting is needed, which anesthesia is used, the type of restoration your dentist will make, and whether new imaging is required. Dr. Curtis gives an estimate at the consultation, after the exam. This website does not list prices.

The office takes most PPO dental plans. The current in-network list is on patient info. Call (561) 833-6880 if you want to ask about a plan before you come in.

What patients have said

Comments from the practice record, shown with first name and last initial.

“Let's face it, no one wants to undergo oral surgery, but if you find yourself in that situation, these are the people you want by your side.”

— Marcel M.

“By far the most friendly attentive medical facility I have ever experienced.”

— Rick F.

Questions patients ask

Does every upper implant need a sinus lift?

No. Many upper sites have enough bone. A lift is for the ones where the sinus leaves too little height.

Will I feel the sinus surgery in my nose?

You may feel stuffy or congested on that side for a few days. Forceful nose blowing is avoided for the period written on your instructions.

Can the implant be placed the same day?

Sometimes, if the remaining bone can hold the implant steady. Other times the graft heals first.

How long until the implant?

Often several months when the graft is done first. Dr. Curtis checks a scan rather than picking a date in advance.

Is this the same as socket preservation?

No. Socket preservation fills the hole when a tooth comes out. A sinus lift adds height under the sinus, usually later.

Where does the graft material come from?

It may be processed donor bone, synthetic material, or bone from you. Dr. Curtis names the material he recommends.

What if I was told I am not a candidate because of the sinus?

Bring the scan. Dr. Curtis will say whether he would plan a lift, a different implant path, or a reason to wait.