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Sinus lift

A sinus lift for upper implants

A sinus lift raises the floor of the sinus above your upper back teeth and adds bone beneath it, so there is enough height to hold a dental implant. Dr. Abtin Shahriari plans each sinus lift with 3D imaging and performs it at North Georgia Oral Surgeon in Dawsonville.

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Who it is for

When the sinus sits too low.

The bone under the sinus is often thin to begin with, and it can thin further after upper back teeth are lost. A sinus lift creates the room an implant needs.

  • You are missing upper molars or premolars and want implants
  • Your 3D scan shows too little bone height below the sinus
  • Upper back teeth were lost some time ago and the bone has receded
  • A previous implant plan was put on hold because of limited bone
A 3D cone beam CT scan of the skull and jaw displayed on a monitor

How it works

How a sinus lift works.

The approach depends on how much bone you have now. Your scan guides the plan.

  1. Mapping the sinus

    A cone beam CT scan shows the sinus, the bone below it and the space available, so Dr. Abtin can choose the right approach.

  2. Reaching the sinus floor

    With the area numb and any sedation in effect, Dr. Abtin opens the gum. Depending on your case, the sinus is reached from the side of the jaw or through the implant site.

  3. Lifting and grafting

    The thin membrane lining the sinus is gently raised, and graft material is placed in the space beneath it to form new bone.

  4. Healing and the implant

    New bone forms in the grafted space over several months. Sometimes the implant goes in during the lift itself; otherwise it is placed once that bone is ready.

A bright waiting lounge with tan leather armchairs and a large window
ComfortSedation ranges from nitrous oxide to IV sedation. If you choose IV sedation, bring an adult to drive you home.

Recovery

How long does a sinus lift take to heal?

Expect swelling and some soreness in the cheek, and possibly a little bleeding from the nose in the first day or two. These usually settle within a week.

Protect the sinus while it heals. Do not blow your nose. If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open. Avoid straws, smoking and heavy lifting for the period Dr. Abtin gives you, and take any medicines exactly as prescribed.

Possible risks

  • A tear in the thin sinus lining, which is often repaired during the same surgery
  • Sinus infection or congestion while the area heals
  • Loss of some graft material, which can delay or change the implant plan
  • A small opening between the mouth and the sinus that needs care while it closes

Dr. Abtin goes over the risks that apply to you, and how they are lowered, before you decide on surgery.

Read the general after-surgery guide

Sedation options

Comfort, your way.

Smaller sinus lifts done through the implant site may only need local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Many patients prefer IV sedation for a larger lift from the side of the jaw.

  • Option for this procedure

    Local anesthesia

    Numbs the area being treated. You are awake, and you feel pressure but not sharp pain.

  • Option for this procedure

    Nitrous oxide

    A gas you breathe through a small mask. It takes the edge off nerves and wears off within minutes after the mask comes off.

  • Option for this procedure

    IV sedation

    Medicine given through a vein places you in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. Most people remember little of the procedure. You need an adult to drive you home.

How sedation works at NGOS

Insurance and cost

Does insurance cover a sinus lift?

Dental insurance coverage for sinus lifts varies, and some plans consider it part of implant treatment. Ask the team what portion your plan may cover before surgery.

Insurance and financing

FAQ

Sinus lift: your questions.

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A sinus lift works on the floor of the sinus, below the area you breathe through. Most people notice no lasting change. Tell Dr. Abtin about any history of sinus infections or allergies, since a healthy sinus helps the graft heal well.

Sometimes. If there is enough bone to hold the implant steady, Dr. Abtin may place it during the same surgery. If the bone is very thin, the graft is left to heal on its own, and the implant follows several months later.

Most of the swelling and tenderness eases within about a week, and many people return to light routines in a few days. The graft itself takes several months to turn into solid bone before the implant can carry a tooth.

Blowing your nose creates pressure that can push on the healing sinus membrane and disturb the graft. For the period Dr. Abtin recommends, wipe your nose gently and sneeze with your mouth open to keep pressure low.

Depending on your bone, options may include shorter implants, angled implants, a bridge or a removable partial denture. When there is very little upper bone, a zygomatic implant consult may be discussed. Your scan helps compare the choices.

Related care

You may also want to read.

All procedures

Sources for patients

General information from patient education pages by the organizations above. Page updated November 6, 2026.

Ready when you are

Talk with the team today.

Ask a question, ask about your insurance or book a consultation with Dr. Abtin at the Dawsonville office.

Request a visit Call (706) 969-7664