Sinus Lift Surgery in Calabasas
If you've been told you need an implant in your upper back jaw but don't have enough bone to hold it, you're not alone, and it doesn't have to be the end of the conversation. Many Calabasas patients come to us after losing upper molars or premolars, only to learn that the bone above those teeth has thinned or that the sinus sits too low for an implant. A sinus lift is often the step that makes implant treatment possible, and our team at 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks helps patients from Calabasas and nearby communities plan it carefully from the first scan forward.
A sinus lift, sometimes called a sinus augmentation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the back teeth. Your maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces that sit just above the roots of your upper molars and premolars. After a tooth is lost, the bone in that area can gradually shrink, and the sinus can expand downward into the space. The result is a thin ridge of bone that may not be tall enough to anchor a dental implant securely.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward, and bone grafting material is placed in the space beneath it. Over time, that graft integrates with your natural bone and creates a stronger foundation. Once healing is complete, the area can support an implant that would otherwise have had little to hold onto.
Because a sinus lift is closely tied to implant success, we approach it as part of your full tooth replacement plan, not as a standalone surgery. Our office includes a board-certified periodontist who places dental implants and provides implant maintenance, along with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist who reads detailed imaging. That combination means the person evaluating your bone and the person planning your implant are working from the same clear picture.
We use CBCT imaging, a 3D scan, to see the height and width of your bone, the position of your sinus, and the surrounding anatomy before any treatment begins. For Calabasas patients, having imaging, surgery, implant placement, and restoration available within one practice can mean fewer separate offices to coordinate. Our on-site dental lab also supports the restorative side of treatment once your implant is ready for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Am I a good candidate for a sinus lift?
You may be a good candidate if you're missing one or more upper back teeth and an evaluation shows there isn't enough bone height to support an implant. This situation often comes up for patients who lost teeth years ago, those who've had gum disease that affected the supporting bone, or people whose sinus naturally sits lower than average.
Candidacy is decided case by case. We review your 3D imaging, your overall oral health, and your goals, whether that's replacing a single molar, supporting an implant-supported bridge, or planning a full arch option like All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants. If gum disease is present, our periodontal team can address it first so your graft and implant start on healthy ground.
What happens during and after the procedure?
The procedure itself involves accessing the sinus area, lifting the membrane, and placing graft material, then closing the site to heal. For patients who feel nervous about oral surgery, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers several comfort options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll talk through which level fits your needs and health history during your consultation.
Here's what patients can generally expect along the way:
- A consultation and CBCT scan to measure bone and map the sinus
- A personalized plan that outlines grafting and implant timing
- The sinus lift procedure, with your chosen sedation option
- A healing period while the graft integrates with your natural bone
- Implant placement once the site is ready, followed by your final restoration
Aftercare focuses on protecting the graft while it heals. Your instructions will be tailored to your procedure, and we'll walk you through them before you leave. Follow-up visits let us check your healing and confirm the right time to move forward with your implant.
How do I pay for sinus lift surgery?
We make payment as straightforward as possible by accepting all major PPO insurance plans, welcoming self-pay patients, and offering financing. Because a sinus lift is usually one step in a larger implant plan, we'll review the full treatment sequence with you so you can see what each stage involves before you commit.
Our team can help you understand how your PPO benefits may apply. If you're paying out of pocket or would like to spread costs over time, we'll go over financing options so cost doesn't keep you from a stable, long-term tooth replacement. Calabasas patients are welcome to call our Thousand Oaks office to schedule a consultation and get a clear plan for their next step.