Advanced Sinus Lift Surgery at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, is a bone grafting procedure that increases bone height in the upper jaw — specifically in the area beneath the maxillary sinus — to make room for dental implants.

The upper back teeth (molars and premolars) are often difficult to restore with implants due to limited bone depth or proximity to the sinus cavity. A sinus lift gently elevates the sinus membrane and adds bone material beneath it, creating a stable foundation for implant placement.

Why Is a Sinus Lift Sometimes Necessary?

The bone in the upper back jaw is naturally thinner than in other parts of the mouth. After tooth loss, the sinus may also expand into the area where bone once supported teeth — a process called pneumatization.

You may need a sinus lift if:

• You have lost one or more upper back teeth
• Your dentist has determined there’s not enough vertical bone for an implant
• A past extraction resulted in significant bone shrinkage
• You’ve been told you are not a candidate for upper implants without bone grafting

With a sinus lift, patients who were previously ineligible for implants can often proceed with full implant-supported restorations. To learn more about implants in general, visit our Dental Implants page.

How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works

Sinus lift surgery is a delicate and precise procedure performed by our oral surgeons in-office with local anesthesia and sedation options available for comfort.

Here’s a general overview of the process:

• Consultation & 3D Imaging: We use cone beam CT scanning to measure sinus anatomy and determine the amount of bone available.
• Accessing the Sinus: A small window is created in the bone at the side of the upper jaw to access the sinus floor.
• Elevating the Sinus Membrane: The sinus lining is gently lifted, creating a space between the sinus and jaw.
• Placing the Bone Graft: Bone graft material is placed beneath the membrane. This graft will integrate over time to form new, strong bone.
• Healing Phase: The site is closed, and healing begins. In most cases, implants are placed 4–6 months later, once graft integration is confirmed.

In some cases where adequate stability exists, implants may be placed at the same time as the sinus lift. This depends on your specific anatomy.

Bone Graft Materials Used

The graft used in sinus lift surgery may come from one of the following sources:

• Allograft (donor bone from a tissue bank)
• Xenograft (bone from a safe animal source)
• Synthetic materials
• Autograft (your own bone, in select cases)

Our surgeons will explain which option is best based on your health, treatment goals, and long-term implant plan.

Benefits of a Sinus Lift

• Makes dental implants possible in the upper back jaw
• Restores lost bone volume caused by tooth loss or sinus expansion
• Prevents sinus perforation during implant surgery
• Improves the long-term success and stability of implants
• Expands treatment options for patients with limited bone height

A sinus lift is often the first step in restoring chewing function and smile aesthetics when replacing upper molars.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery is generally smooth and similar to other oral surgeries. Most patients report:

• Minor swelling or sinus pressure for 2–5 days
• Mild discomfort managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication
• Nasal congestion or light bleeding from the nose (temporary)
• Soft diet for 1 week
• Avoiding sneezing with your mouth closed or blowing your nose forcefully

You’ll be provided with complete post-surgical care instructions to support a safe and effective recovery. We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to track healing and determine the timing for implant placement.

Who Performs Sinus Lift Surgery?

At Valley Oral Surgery, sinus lifts are performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons:

• Anna Lu, DMD
• Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD

Both doctors have extensive training in bone grafting, implant surgery, and sinus anatomy. Our practices in Livermore and Dublin are equipped with 3D imaging and IV sedation to support advanced procedures with safety and comfort.