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Sinus Lift

A sinus lift is a specialized procedure that increases bone height in the upper jaw to support dental implants. When the sinus floor is too close to the existing bone — often due to bone loss or natural anatomy — a sinus lift creates the space needed for stable, long‑lasting implant placement.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift — also called sinus augmentation — is a surgical procedure that gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone grafting material in the upper jaw to increase bone height. This creates a stronger, more stable foundation for dental implants in the area of the upper molars and premolars, where bone is often thinner or more limited than in other areas of the mouth.
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located just above the upper back teeth. When teeth are lost in this area, the bone that once supported them begins to resorb over time, and the sinus cavity can expand downward into the space where the roots once were. This combination of bone loss and sinus expansion can leave insufficient bone height to securely hold a dental implant — which is where the sinus lift becomes essential.
Dr. Cherry performs sinus lifts as part of a comprehensive implant treatment plan, using advanced 3D cone beam imaging to precisely evaluate sinus anatomy, bone density, and available height before any surgical planning begins. This level of detail ensures the procedure is tailored to each patient's unique anatomy, minimizing risk and maximizing the long-term predictability of implant placement. For many patients who have been told they don't have enough bone for implants in the upper jaw, a sinus lift is the procedure that makes successful implant treatment possible.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
Why a Sinus Lift May Be Needed

Why a Sinus Lift May Be Needed

A sinus lift may be recommended if you:

  • Have insufficient upper‑jaw bone for dental implants

  • Lost bone due to missing teeth

  • Experienced bone loss from periodontal disease

  • Have naturally large sinus cavities

  • Need additional support for full‑arch implant treatment

  • Want to prevent implant failure due to inadequate bone

By increasing bone height, a sinus lift ensures long‑term implant stability and predictable treatment outcomes.

Getting Started with a Sinus Lift

Your treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Cherry evaluates your sinus anatomy, bone structure, and implant goals using advanced 3D imaging.

During this visit, you’ll discuss:

  • Sedation options

  • Graft material choices

  • Whether implants can be placed at the same time

  • Expected healing timeline

  • Long‑term implant planning

This ensures a safe, predictable, and personalized treatment plan.

How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works

1. Preparation

The area is numbed, and sedation is provided if desired. A small opening is created to access the sinus membrane.

2. Lifting the Sinus Membrane

The sinus membrane is gently raised to create space for the graft.

3. Bone Graft Placement

Grafting material is placed beneath the lifted membrane to increase bone height.

4. Stabilization

The site is closed and allowed to heal as the graft integrates with your natural bone.

5. Implant Placement

Depending on bone volume, implants may be placed during the same appointment or after healing is complete.

How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works

Recovery & Aftercare

Downtime following sinus lift surgery is relatively short, and many patients find that they experience little discomfort. Patients are often able to return to work and normal activities within a few days once the anesthesia has worn off and the incision sites begin to heal. Any pain can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and an ice pack may be used to minimize swelling. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. A follow-up appointment might be necessary to remove any sutures if dissolvable sutures were not used.
The actual healing process within the sinus cavity takes longer. It generally takes between 4-6 months for the new bone to develop and strengthen. Patients should try to avoid forcefully blowing their nose or sneezing to reduce the risk of disturbing the bone graft. Dr. Cherry will follow up to ensure that the bone is growing as desired and to determine when there is enough bone available to support dental implants.

Explore more resources

Learn more about implant preparation, bone health, and advanced surgical procedures with these helpful articles designed to support your treatment journey.

When Implants and Sinus Lifts Can Be Done Together In some cases, dental implants can…
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Why Bone Loss Is Common in the Upper Back Jaw The upper back jaw naturally…
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Why There Are Two Types of Sinus Lift Procedures Not all sinus lifts are the…
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Understanding the Sinus Lift Healing Process A sinus lift is a predictable and highly successful…
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Frequently Asked Questions

A sinus lift is a highly specialized procedure, and it’s normal to have questions about how it works, why it’s needed, and what recovery looks like. These FAQs provide clear, straightforward answers to help you understand the process and feel confident as you prepare for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients heal in 4–9 months, depending on the amount of grafting needed.

Sedation and modern techniques make the procedure comfortable. Mild pressure or congestion afterward is normal.

Yes — if enough bone is present. Otherwise, implants are placed after healing.

Options include your own bone, donor bone, synthetic materials, or xenografts.

No — once healed, the sinus functions normally.

Schedule Your Sinus Lift Consultation

If you've been told you don't have enough bone for dental implants in the upper jaw, a sinus lift may be the solution that makes implant treatment possible. Dr. Cherry performs sinus augmentation with precision and care, using advanced 3D imaging and proven grafting techniques to create a stable, lasting foundation for your implants. Our team will walk you through every step of the process — from your initial consultation to your final restoration — so you know exactly what to expect.
Schedule YourSinus Lift Consultation
(864) 603-2464

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