A sinus lift is a specialized surgical procedure designed to restore bone height in the upper jaw, particularly in the area of the molars and premolars. If you have experienced tooth loss in this region or have naturally thin bone, you may not have enough bone to securely support a dental implant. The maxillary sinuses, located just above your upper jaw, can sometimes expand into this area, especially after tooth loss. This reduces the available bone needed for implant placement.

To correct this, a sinus lift — also known as sinus augmentation — adds bone to the area beneath the sinus cavity. This prepares your upper jaw for future dental implants by creating a stable foundation. The procedure is most often recommended if bone has deteriorated due to periodontal disease, tooth loss or natural anatomy.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

During the sinus lift, Dr. Jiries Mogannam, Dr. Vicente Chavez, Dr. Christopher Chow or Dr. William Verlinden will carefully access the sinus cavity through the gum and jawbone. The sinus membrane is gently pushed upward, creating a space between the membrane and the upper jaw. Bone grafting material, which may be synthetic, autogenous (from your own body) or from a donor source, is then placed into the space. This graft acts as a scaffold, encouraging the growth of new bone in the area.

Depending on the amount of bone needed, the healing period following a sinus lift can range from four to nine months. This time allows the graft to integrate with your natural bone, forming a strong and supportive base. Once the area has healed and sufficient bone volume is achieved, our oral surgeons will be able to place the dental implant securely.

Is a Sinus Lift Right for You?

If you are missing upper molars or premolars and are considering dental implants, a sinus lift may be the first step toward restoring your smile. This procedure is a reliable and effective way to rebuild the bone necessary for implant success. Our oral surgeons will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a candidate and guide you through every step of your care.

We invite you to contact Sonoma County Oral Surgery & Dental at 707-566-7300 schedule a consultation to learn more about how a sinus lift in Santa Rosa, California, can help you achieve lasting oral health and function.