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Smiling senior woman outdoors on a sunny day, representing confidence and joy after sinus lift surgery for dental implants with ClearChoice.
01.28.2025

Sinus Lift Surgery for Dental Implants

Learn how long a tooth extraction takes, factors impacting the duration, and tips for smoother recovery.

Smiling senior woman outdoors on a sunny day, representing confidence and joy after sinus lift surgery for dental implants with ClearChoice.

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth, but they require a jawbone strong enough to support them.​​ Typically, a bone graft is used. However, patients who need upper jaw implants but don’t have enough jawbone may require a sinus lift instead. This procedure creates more room between the upper jawbone while adding new bone material, strengthening the jawbone to support the implants. This article explains sinus lift surgery in more detail, showing you what to expect during the procedure and recovery period. If you’re ready to explore your options for restoring your smile, schedule a free consultation with ClearChoice today!  

What is a Sinus Lift?   

A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, is a minor surgical procedure that adds bone to the molar and premolar area of the upper jaw (posterior maxilla) to support dental implants. It entails lifting the lower sinus membrane to graft bone onto the existing jawbone.

Why Are Sinus Lifts Necessary for Dental Implants?     

Sinus lifts are needed when the upper jaw doesn’t have enough bone to support dental implants. This is because dental implants anchor and fuse to the jawbone, so without enough jawbone, the implants could fail. 

People may have bone loss in the upper jaw for several reasons: 

  • Tooth loss: Missing teeth reduce jawbone stimulation, leading to bone loss. This can happen whether or not dentures are used, since dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone. 

  • Periodontal disease: Gum disease can damage bone when it progresses far enough. 

  • Trauma: Trauma to the area, such as during contact sports, could damage and weaken the jawbone. 

  • Health conditions: Some health conditions, like osteomyelitis (jawbone/marrow infection), could weaken the jawbone.  

  • Sinus location: Some patients may have sinuses that are very close to the jawbone. This results in a naturally thinner jawbone, requiring a sinus lift to create space for new bone material. 

The Sinus Lift Procedure 

A sinus lift typically takes two visits to the dentist. The first visit is to plan the procedure, while the second is to perform it. Here’s what to expect:  
  
1. Initial consultation:
Your provider examines your jawbone using X-rays and CT scans to determine if a sinus lift is needed. They’ll also answer any questions or concerns.  

2. Treatment plan:
You’ll receive a custom treatment plan for your specific circumstances. This entails selecting the bone graft material and method as well as scheduling the surgery. 
 
3. Pain management:
Before the surgery, you’ll receive​ pain management to ensure your mouth is comfortable throughout the procedure.  

4. Sinus lift surgery:
The provider places the bone graft material into the area and securely closes the surgical site, protecting the graft and promoting healing.  

5. Healing and recovery:
The graft material fuses and integrates with your existing jawbone over several months to provide sufficient material to anchor dental implants. 
  
The procedure itself can take 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity.¹

Sinus Lift Recovery   

Sinus lift recovery is fairly straightforward and does not significantly disrupt your daily life. You should be back to normal within a few days. Pain and swelling may increase as the anesthesia wears off, peaking at a moderate level around 24 to 72 hours before gradually decreasing. This is normal and a sign your body is working to recover.  
  
Your provider will likely provide prescription pain medication to manage pain. Alternatively, they may recommend over-the-counter products. Meanwhile, they may direct you to use ice packs or cold compresses to keep swelling and inflammation in check. Once the post-operative pain and swelling finishes, your body requires four to nine months to integrate the new material into your existing jawbone.¹
  
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind: 

  • Rest and recovery: Avoid strenuous activity for the first 48 hours to give your body time to heal and to prevent symptoms from worsening.

  • Proper oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and rinse per your provider’s guidance. Avoid brushing the surgical site directly, and rinse gently to clean the area without causing irritation or other issues. 

  • Diet: Eat soft or liquid foods to minimize pressure on your jaw. 

  • Follow-ups: Attend any follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure smooth progress. 

Learn More About Sinus Lifts and Dental Implants  

A sinus lift can make dental implants accessible for many patients who, aside from an insufficient upper jawbone, would be great dental implant candidates. The procedure is simple and quick to recover from, but the bone graft integration takes​ several months. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine if this timeline works for you and discuss any questions with your provider.  
  
If you’re considering dental implants and want more information, our experts are here to help. Visit your local ClearChoice Dental Implant Center to learn your options and start your journey toward a happy, healthy smile. 

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Sinus Lift for Dental Implants FAQs


How painful is a sinus lift for dental implants?  

A sinus lift for dental implants generally involves ​​discomfort since providers apply anesthesia during the procedure and can provide sedation if you prefer it. During healing, you may experience moderate pain and swelling, which you can manage with pain medication according to your provider’s instructions. The pain peaks after a few days and then tends to decline.  

How long does it take to recover from a sinus lift?  

It takes about one to two weeks to heal from the surgery itself. However, the bone takes four to nine months, depending on the procedure complexity, your health, and your body’s ability to integrate the bone. This longer timeframe gives your body enough time to create a strong, stable foundation for your implants. 

How much does a sinus lift cost?  

The cost of a sinus lift can vary. Several factors impact the cost:

  • Bone graft materials used  

  • Procedure complexity  

  • Imaging requirements (CT scans may cost more than X-rays)  

  • Provider expertise/specialty

What is the success rate of a sinus lift?  

Thanks to modern surgical techniques and knowledge, sinus lifts have an extremely high success rate. That said, following your provider’s aftercare instructions closely is the key to ensuring success.

Source: 
¹NHS Cambridge University of Hospitals - Sinus lift procedures 

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(888) 486-3443Copyright © 2024 ClearChoice Management Services, LLC

ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers are locally owned and operated by licensed dentists, and are part of a professional affiliation of implant practices operated by oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and restorative dentists across the U.S. A majority of patients (and approximately 90% of Minnesota patients) qualify for same day implants and can have their procedure in one day after initial workup, without additional bone graft surgery, and may leave the office that same day with provisional prostheses and the final prostheses to be placed later. Results may vary in individual cases. Some claims made are supported by network surveys. Both general dentists and specialists in some states. Dental implants are not a recognized specialty. Dental specialists are specialists in oral maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics. Limited services available at satellite offices.

Dental implants can last a lifetime. Studies show that dental implants are likely to last at least 25 years with proper care and maintenance in most cases.

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