Bone Grafting in Sarasota, FL
Sinus Lift
When the upper back jaw lacks the bone height needed for implants, a sinus lift gently makes room and adds bone — restoring a strong foundation so your smile can be rebuilt.
The Basics
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift — also called sinus augmentation — is a bone grafting procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. Just above these back teeth sit the maxillary sinuses, air-filled spaces on either side of your nose. To create room for the new bone, your surgeon gently lifts the sinus membrane upward and places graft material in the space beneath it. Over the following months that graft matures into solid bone, giving dental implants enough height to be placed securely.
Why It’s Done
Why might I need a sinus lift?
The upper back jaw is one of the most challenging areas for dental implants, because it often has less bone to begin with and sits directly below the sinus. When upper back teeth have been missing for a while, the bone there resorbs and the sinus can enlarge and drop lower into the jaw — leaving too little height for an implant. A sinus lift restores that lost height so an implant of the proper length can be placed. In some cases, when only a small amount of bone is needed, the lift and the implant can be done at the same time.
You may be a candidate for a sinus lift if you:
- Are missing more than one tooth in the back of your upper jaw
- Have lost a significant amount of bone in the back of your jaw
- Are missing teeth due to a birth defect or condition
- Are missing most of your upper teeth and need support for implants
What to Expect
What to expect during the procedure
A sinus lift is a routine, carefully planned procedure performed comfortably in our office.
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Consultation
Your surgeon reviews 3D imaging to measure the available bone and map the position of your sinus precisely.
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Anesthesia
You are made comfortable with local anesthesia or sedation, chosen together based on your needs.
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Membrane lifted
The sinus membrane is gently raised and graft material is placed beneath it to build new bone height.
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Healing
Over the following months the graft becomes your own bone, ready to anchor an implant securely.
Recovery
Healing after a sinus lift
Recovery is usually comfortable, with mild swelling and soreness for a few days that responds well to the medication and aftercare instructions we provide. To protect the healing site, you’ll be asked to avoid blowing your nose forcefully, sneezing with your mouth closed and using straws for a short time. The graft then matures over several months before an implant can be placed — and your surgeon will monitor your progress and let you know when you’re ready for the next step.
Why Choose Us
Why choose Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery?
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring both medical and dental training to every procedure, so you get expert diagnosis and comfortable, precise care from consultation to recovery.
- Dual-degree surgeons (DMD and MD) with advanced anesthesia training
- Board-certified Diplomates of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Decades of experience across thousands of successful cases
- 3D imaging and modern technology for precise, predictable results
- A full range of sedation and comfort options
- Convenient locations across the Sarasota area
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Most patients report only mild soreness and swelling afterward, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does a sinus lift take to heal?
You’ll feel back to normal within a few days, but the graft needs several months to mature into bone strong enough to support an implant. The exact timeline depends on how much bone is needed.
Can the implant be placed at the same time as the sinus lift?
Sometimes. If enough bone is already present to stabilize the implant, the lift and implant can be done together. When more height is needed, the graft heals first and the implant is placed later.
Will a sinus lift affect my breathing or sinuses?
No. The procedure adds bone below the sinus membrane without entering the sinus cavity itself, so it does not affect your breathing or normal sinus function once healed.
