Sinus Augmentation

Sinus Lift Surgery

Restoring bone support for successful upper implants.

Sinus Lift Surgery

Restoring bone support for
successful upper implants.

A gentle and effective procedure to create the bone foundation your smile deserves
When teeth are lost in the upper back jaw, the bone beneath the sinus cavity often becomes too thin or shallow to support dental implants. A sinus augmentation, also called a sinus lift, is a specialized bone grafting procedure that carefully raises the sinus floor and adds bone to create the strong, stable foundation needed for implant placement.

This is a common and predictable procedure performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. It helps patients who have been told they “don’t have enough bone” become eligible for dental implants that restore comfort, function, and confidence.

Key Facts & Benefits

  • To increase bone height in the upper jaw (molars/premolars area) by gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material beneath it.
  • Often recommended when bone has resorbed following tooth loss or when the sinus cavity has naturally expanded downward
  • The graft material may come from your own bone, a donor source, or a synthetic substitute — all proven safe and effective.
  • The procedure is done under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your comfort needs.
  • Creates a strong, lasting foundation for dental implants and helps maintain facial bone structure.
sinus augmentation at Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Step-by-Step Process:

  • Consultation & Imaging
    Your surgeon evaluates your upper jaw and sinuses using 3D imaging (CBCT scan) to plan the ideal approach and graft volume. You’ll review sedation options and discuss your treatment plan.
  • Anesthesia & Preparation
    The area is fully numbed and, if you choose, sedation is provided for comfort. The surgeon gently accesses the sinus cavity through the side of the upper jawbone.
  • Sinus Membrane Lift
    The thin membrane lining the sinus is carefully raised upward, creating a small space beneath it.
  • Bone Graft Placement
    Bone graft material is placed into the space under the lifted sinus membrane, increasing the height and volume of available bone. Review additional information on Bone Grafting.
  • Closure
    The area is covered and sutured. Over time, your body naturally integrates the graft material to form new, healthy bone.
  • Healing & Follow-up
    Healing typically takes several months. Your surgeon will monitor bone development with follow-up visits and imaging. Once healing is complete, your dental implant(s) can be placed securely in the newly formed bone.
FAQ Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

No — the area is completely numbed, and most patients choose sedation for a relaxed, pain-free experience. Some mild swelling or pressure afterward is normal and well-managed with medication.

Your surgeon will choose the best graft option for your needs — it may be natural bone from your body, processed donor bone, or a biocompatible synthetic material.

In some cases, yes. If enough stable bone remains, the implant can be placed during the same surgery. Otherwise, implants are placed after healing is complete.

Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2–3 days. Complete bone healing usually takes several months before implants are placed.

Yes. Sinus augmentation is a well-established and highly predictable procedure with a very high success rate when performed by an experienced oral surgeon.

No — the procedure does not interfere with sinus function or breathing. The sinus membrane heals normally after the procedure.

FAQ Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery