Sinus Lift Surgery in Oxnard
If you've been told there isn't enough bone in your upper jaw to hold a dental implant, you still have options. For many Oxnard patients missing upper back teeth, the next step is sinus lift surgery, a procedure that adds bone beneath the sinus so an implant has a solid foundation. At 805 Dentistry, we plan and perform this treatment in our Thousand Oaks office. Because we also handle imaging, implant placement, and sedation in-house, you can move from consultation to a finished tooth with one team.
A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, increases the height of bone in the upper jaw near the molars and premolars. The maxillary sinuses sit just above the roots of these teeth. After a tooth is lost, the bone in that area often thins over time, and the sinus can drop lower into the space. That leaves too little bone to anchor an implant securely.
During the procedure, we gently lift the sinus membrane upward and place bone grafting material in the space beneath it. Over time, that graft becomes part of your jaw and creates the support an implant needs. For Oxnard residents who want a fixed replacement for upper back teeth instead of a removable appliance, this step often makes implant treatment possible.
Your first visit focuses on understanding your anatomy. We use CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows the height and width of your jawbone and the exact position of your sinuses. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist can interpret these scans. That gives us a detailed picture before we recommend any surgery.
We also review your overall oral health, including the condition of your gums. Our board-certified periodontist places dental implants and provides gum and regenerative care, so problems that could affect healing can be addressed as part of the same plan. You'll leave knowing whether a sinus lift is right for you, how it fits with your implant timeline, and what your options are.
Who is a good candidate for a sinus lift?
Good candidates are adults who want an implant in the upper back jaw but don't have enough bone height there to support one. This situation is common and can develop for several reasons. Patients who come to us from Oxnard with this need often fall into one of these groups:
- People who lost upper molars or premolars some time ago, giving the bone time to shrink
- Patients whose bone loss is related to gum disease
- People with a naturally low sinus or thin upper jawbone
- Patients planning a full-arch option, such as All-on-4 or All-on-X implants, who need additional upper bone support
Your general health and gum health also matter, since both affect how well a graft heals. We'll talk through your medical history at your consultation. If a sinus lift isn't the best fit, we'll explain the other tooth replacement options we offer, including bridges and partial or complete dentures.
What happens during sinus lift surgery, and will I be comfortable?
Most patients are comfortable during the procedure because we numb the area thoroughly and offer several levels of sedation. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist provides nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. If you feel anxious about oral surgery, we'll help you choose the approach that suits you.
On the day of surgery, we access the area beneath the sinus, lift the membrane carefully, and place the graft material. Depending on how much bone you have, the implant may be placed at the same visit or after the graft has had time to mature. We'll explain which approach applies to you before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
What is recovery like after a sinus lift?
Expect some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days, which most patients manage by following our home care instructions. We'll give you clear written guidance before you leave. That typically includes avoiding blowing your nose forcefully, sneezing with your mouth open rather than closed, and choosing soft foods while the area settles.
The graft needs time to integrate with your natural bone, and that timeline varies from patient to patient. We schedule follow-up visits to check your healing and use imaging to confirm the bone is ready for an implant. Once it is, we place the implant and later restore it with a crown. Our on-site dental lab supports that final restoration.
How can I pay for sinus lift surgery?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Coverage for sinus lift surgery and bone grafting depends on your specific plan. Our team will review your benefits and give you a clear explanation of your costs before treatment begins.
Financing can make it easier to move forward with a sinus lift and implant without paying the full amount at once. If you live in Oxnard and have been putting off replacing an upper tooth because of bone loss, call us to schedule a consultation. We'll show you exactly where things stand and walk you through each step.