Sinus Lift Surgery
When a missing upper back tooth isn’t replaced promptly, something happens beneath the surface that most people don’t realize: the jawbone in that area begins to shrink. Without a tooth root to stimulate and maintain it, bone volume can decrease significantly over time. This is one of the most common reasons patients who want dental implants are told they don’t have enough bone to support one. A sinus lift, also known as a sinus augmentation, is a procedure that adds bone volume to the area, making implant placement possible.
At Evergreen Grace Dental, we understand how frustrating it can be to want a permanent tooth replacement and learn you need an additional procedure first. Dr. Bartolo Espana and our team have been serving the Renton, WA community for over a decade as a family-owned private practice dedicated to helping patients achieve complete, healthy smiles. We’re proud to walk patients through every step of the process, from initial evaluation through recovery, so you always know what to expect.
Sinus Lift Surgery
A sinus lift is an oral surgery procedure designed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw between your molars and premolars. It involves gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material in the space created, which then integrates with your natural bone over several months.
Not every implant candidate needs a sinus lift. The procedure is recommended for patients who:
Understanding whether you need this procedure starts with a thorough evaluation, including 3D imaging to assess your unique anatomy. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth loss remains a significant concern for U.S. adults, and bone loss following extraction is one of the most common complications affecting implant candidacy.
Sinus Lift Surgery
The procedure is performed in-office and is more straightforward than many patients anticipate. Renton patients are kept comfortable throughout with local anesthesia, and our team at Evergreen Grace Dental will discuss additional comfort options during your consultation.
During a sinus lift, your provider will make a small incision in the gum tissue near the back of your upper jaw to access the bone. A small window is carefully created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward. Bone graft material is then placed into the space, and the incision is closed.
The graft material may come from your own body, a donor source, or a synthetic material, depending on your case. Your provider will help you determine which option is most appropriate based on your health history and goals.
Sinus Lift Surgery
Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for the first few days following sinus lift surgery in Renton, which is manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. It’s important to avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully during the initial healing period to protect the sinus membrane.
The bone graft typically takes four to nine months to fully integrate before an implant can be placed. Your provider will monitor your healing with follow-up appointments and imaging. In some cases, sinus lift surgery and implant placement may be combined into one appointment, though this depends on how much existing bone is present.
Our team at Evergreen Grace Dental is happy to discuss your sedation options to help make both the sinus lift and any follow-up procedures as comfortable as possible.
The cost of sinus lift surgery varies based on the complexity of the case, the type of bone graft material used, and whether additional procedures are needed at the same time. Our front desk team can provide a detailed cost estimate after your evaluation, and we encourage patients to ask about all available options.
Evergreen Grace Dental offers dental financing options to help make treatment accessible, and we work with patients to find a plan that fits their budget. We’re also happy to discuss your restorative dentistry options if you’re weighing different paths to replacing a missing tooth.
Sinus lift surgery is a critical first step for many patients in Renton, WA, who have been told they don’t have enough bone to support dental implants. It’s a safe, effective procedure with decades of clinical support, and when performed alongside a thorough implant plan, it can restore both the function and appearance of a complete smile. Dr. Bartolo Espana and our team at Evergreen Grace Dental are committed to providing clear, honest guidance so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.
If you’re ready to find out whether sinus lift surgery in Renton is right for you, we invite you to reach out to our team. Fill out our contact form to request a consultation, and we’ll be in touch to schedule a time that works for you.
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