Sinus Lift Surgery in Agoura Hills
A sinus lift adds bone to the upper back jaw so there is enough support to place a dental implant where a molar or premolar is missing. When back teeth have been gone for a while, the bone in that area can thin. The maxillary sinuses sit just above those roots, so the space left for an implant may be too shallow. For our Agoura Hills patients who want a fixed, natural-feeling replacement for upper back teeth, sinus lift surgery often makes implant treatment possible.
During a sinus lift, we gently raise the thin membrane lining the floor of the sinus. Then we place bone grafting material in the space underneath. Over time, that graft becomes part of your jaw and creates the height and density an implant needs to stay stable. The sinus itself is not removed or changed in function. We simply make room beneath it.
This procedure fits a range of situations. Some patients lost an upper molar years ago and noticed the area has shrunk. Others have a naturally low sinus position, or bone loss from gum disease. We also see patients from Agoura Hills who were told elsewhere that they didn't have enough bone for implants and want a second look. Because we offer dental implants, bone grafting, and periodontal care under one roof, we can plan the whole sequence together, from grafting to the final crown.
Your first visit focuses on understanding your bone, your sinus, and your goals. We start with an exam and detailed imaging, including CBCT imaging, which gives a three-dimensional view of your jaw and sinus. Our team includes a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. That gives us an in-depth reading of your scans before we recommend anything.
From there, we talk through your options in plain terms. You may be a good candidate for a sinus lift if:
- You are missing one or more upper back teeth and want implants
- Imaging shows the bone beneath your sinus is too thin to hold an implant securely
- Your gums are healthy, or can be treated first, since our board-certified periodontist also handles gum disease treatment
- You are ready to allow time for healing before the implant is placed or restored
If a sinus lift isn't the right fit, we'll explain why and discuss other tooth replacement options we provide, such as bridges, partial dentures, or implant-supported solutions.
What happens on the day of my sinus lift?
On the day of surgery, we numb the area thoroughly, access the bone beneath the sinus, lift the membrane, and place the graft. Your 3D imaging guides each step, so we know your anatomy before we begin. In some cases an implant can be placed at the same visit. In others, we let the graft mature first. We'll tell you which approach suits you during planning.
Comfort matters to us, especially for patients who feel anxious about oral surgery. We have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll help you choose the level that fits your needs. Many Agoura Hills patients like being able to handle imaging, surgery, sedation, and implant work in one practice instead of traveling between several offices.
What is recovery like after a sinus lift?
Most recovery involves a few days of mild swelling and tenderness while the area settles, followed by a longer healing period for the graft. Before you leave, we give you written aftercare instructions. Common guidance includes avoiding forceful nose blowing and taking prescribed medications as directed. Sticking to these steps protects the graft while it heals.
We schedule follow-up visits to check your healing and confirm when the bone is ready for the next stage. When it's time for your restoration, our on-site dental lab helps us coordinate your implant crown efficiently. After treatment, our periodontal team also provides implant maintenance to keep the area healthy for the long term.
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 lifts and bone grafting varies from plan to plan. Our team will review your benefits and walk you through your estimated costs before treatment, so there are no surprises.
If you're paying out of pocket or want to spread costs over time, financing can make a full implant plan more manageable. Agoura Hills patients are welcome to call us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dar Radfar and our team. We'll review your imaging together and map out a clear plan for restoring your upper back teeth.