Sinus Lift Surgery
Rebuild upper-jaw bone for secure dental implants in Tacoma, WA
What Is Sinus Lift Surgery?
A sinus lift — also called sinus augmentation — is an oral surgery procedure that adds bone to the upper back jaw, in the area beneath the maxillary sinuses. When you lose upper molars or premolars, the bone there often shrinks, and the sinus cavity can expand downward into the space. The result is too little bone to safely anchor a dental implant. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone-grafting material below it, rebuilding the height and density an implant needs. For many Tacoma-area patients, this is the step that makes implant treatment possible after being told there simply wasn’t enough bone to work with.
Why Might You Need a Sinus Lift?
The upper back jaw is one of the most common places where bone volume falls short. A sinus lift may be recommended when:
- Upper molars or premolars have been missing for a long time and the bone has receded
- Gum disease or infection has reduced bone in the upper jaw
- The maxillary sinus naturally sits low, leaving little bone between it and the mouth
- A previous extraction was not followed by grafting and the ridge has thinned
The goal is to restore enough healthy bone so that a dental implant can integrate securely and support a natural-looking replacement tooth.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates are generally adults planning to replace upper back teeth who currently lack sufficient bone height for implants. Candidacy also depends on overall health, sinus condition, and any active infection or uncontrolled gum disease, which is typically addressed first. At Down To Earth Dental, candidacy is determined during a consultation and exam, often with 3D CBCT imaging that lets the team measure your bone and map the sinus precisely before recommending treatment.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Every case is planned individually, but a sinus lift generally follows these steps:
- Imaging and planning. A CBCT scan shows exact bone dimensions and the sinus position.
- Comfort and sedation. The area is thoroughly numbed, and sedation options are discussed so you stay relaxed throughout.
- Accessing the site. The surgeon creates a small opening to reach the bone below the sinus.
- Lifting the membrane. The thin sinus membrane is carefully raised to make room.
- Placing the graft. Bone-grafting material — sometimes combined with PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) drawn from your own blood to support healing — fills the space.
- Healing. The site closes and the graft matures over several months before an implant is placed.
In some cases, when enough starting bone exists, a sinus lift and implant can be done together. Your treatment plan is tailored during the consultation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most people are surprised by how manageable recovery is. Mild swelling or minor congestion for a few days is common. To protect the graft while it heals, patients are typically advised to:
- Avoid blowing the nose forcefully or sneezing with the mouth closed for a period after surgery
- Skip strenuous activity for a short time as directed
- Follow instructions on soft foods, medication, and gentle oral hygiene
- Attend follow-up visits so healing can be monitored
The graft usually needs several months to integrate before implant placement, though everyone heals at their own pace. Your care team provides personalized aftercare guidance.
Why Choose Down To Earth Dental in Tacoma?
Because Down To Earth Dental is a full-service dental and oral-surgery practice, your sinus lift, implant, and final restoration can be coordinated under one roof rather than juggled between offices. With two Tacoma locations serving South Tacoma and Northeast Tacoma, care stays close to home. The team combines detailed 3D planning, modern grafting techniques, and a genuinely down-to-earth approach that keeps you informed and comfortable at every step. If you were told you don’t have enough bone for implants, a sinus lift may reopen that door.
Ready to find out if a sinus lift is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Down To Earth Dental in Tacoma, WA today, and take the first step toward a strong, confident smile. Request your appointment online and let our team build a plan around your needs.
Sinus Lift Surgery in South Tacoma, WA — Frequently Asked Questions
What is PRF and why is it used in a sinus lift?
PRF, or Platelet-Rich Fibrin, is a concentrate made from a small sample of your own blood. It is rich in the natural growth factors that support healing and can be combined with grafting material during a sinus lift. Because it comes from your own body, it integrates naturally. Whether PRF is used in your case is discussed during planning at Down To Earth Dental.
Can I get an implant at the same time as a sinus lift?
Sometimes, yes. When you already have a certain amount of healthy bone, the sinus lift and implant placement can be performed together. If bone is very limited, the graft usually needs several months to mature before the implant goes in. Your CBCT scan and exam determine which approach is appropriate, and your treatment plan is customized during the consultation.
How long does the sinus lift procedure take?
Most sinus lift procedures are completed in a single appointment, and the surgical time depends on whether one or both sides are treated and the complexity of your case. Planning, numbing, and any sedation add to your total time in the office. At your consultation, Down To Earth Dental can give you a realistic sense of how long to plan for based on your treatment.
Is sinus lift surgery safe?
A sinus lift is a well-established, routinely performed oral surgery procedure. As with any surgery, there are potential considerations, such as temporary swelling, congestion, or, less commonly, a small membrane opening that is managed during the procedure. Careful 3D planning with CBCT imaging and following aftercare instructions help support a smooth outcome. Your surgeon reviews the specifics and answers your questions beforehand.
What are the alternatives to a sinus lift?
Depending on your anatomy, alternatives may include shorter or angled implants that avoid the sinus area, other bone-grafting approaches, or removable and fixed bridge options that don’t require implants in that spot. The right path depends on how much bone you have and your goals. During your consultation, the team reviews the choices and helps you weigh what fits your situation best.
Who is a good candidate for a sinus lift?
Good candidates are typically adults who want to replace upper back teeth but lack enough bone height for implants, often after long-term tooth loss, gum disease, or a naturally low sinus. Overall health and sinus condition matter too. Candidacy is determined during a consultation and exam at Down To Earth Dental, frequently using CBCT imaging to measure your bone precisely.
How long does it take to recover from a sinus lift?
Initial recovery is often just a few days of mild swelling or congestion, and many people return to routine activities quickly. The bone graft itself, however, needs several months to fully integrate before a dental implant can be placed. Timelines vary by individual, the amount of grafting done, and how your body heals. Your care team monitors progress at follow-up visits.
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure itself should not be painful. The area is fully numbed, and sedation options are available to keep you relaxed throughout. Afterward, most patients report mild soreness, swelling, or minor congestion rather than significant pain, and this is usually well managed with recommended medication. Your comfort is a priority, and the team reviews sedation and aftercare with you before surgery.
How much does a sinus lift cost in Tacoma?
The investment for a sinus lift varies from patient to patient. Cost drivers include whether one or both sides are treated, the type and amount of grafting material used, whether PRF is added, imaging needs, and sedation choice. Whether a sinus lift is paired with implant placement also affects the plan. During your consultation at Down To Earth Dental, you’ll receive a clear estimate tailored to your specific situation.
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Tacoma, WA 98408
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