Sinus Lift Surgery in Simi Valley
If you've been told there isn't enough bone in your upper jaw to support a dental implant, you still may have a path to a fixed replacement tooth. When back teeth in the upper jaw are lost, the bone beneath them can thin over time, and the sinus cavity sits just above that area. Sinus lift surgery adds bone where it's needed so an implant has a stable foundation. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office serves patients from Simi Valley and across the surrounding communities. We handle this procedure as part of a complete implant plan under one roof.
A sinus lift, sometimes called a sinus augmentation, is a type of bone grafting for the upper back jaw. The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located above the roots of the upper molars and premolars. After a tooth in that area is lost, two things can leave too little room for an implant. The jawbone may shrink, and the sinus floor may sit lower than an implant post can safely allow.
During the procedure, the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward and bone graft material is placed in the space beneath it. Over time, that graft becomes part of your jaw and creates the height and density an implant needs. For many Simi Valley patients, this step turns an implant from "not possible" into a realistic option for replacing a missing upper tooth.
Our team includes a board-certified periodontist who performs bone grafting and places dental implants. That means the same practice can prepare the site, place the implant, and provide ongoing implant maintenance. You won't need to move between separate offices. We also have a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on staff who provides CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows bone height, bone width, and the position of the sinus in detail. We use that information to plan your grafting and implant placement precisely.
Because we offer general, specialty, and restorative dentistry together, Simi Valley patients can coordinate the full sequence with one team. That sequence includes the exam, imaging, grafting, implant placement, and the final crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture. Our on-site dental lab supports the restorative side of that process.
Am I a candidate for a sinus lift?
You may be a candidate if you want an implant in your upper back jaw but don't have enough bone to support one. This often happens after a tooth has been missing for a while, after bone loss related to gum disease, or when the natural shape of the sinus leaves little room above the jaw.
The only way to know for sure is an evaluation. We review your dental and medical history, examine your mouth, and use 3D imaging to measure the available bone. If a sinus lift isn't the right fit, we'll talk through other tooth replacement options we provide, such as bridges, partial dentures, or full-arch implant solutions.
What happens during the procedure and recovery?
The procedure is done in our office after a planning visit. Here is what the process generally looks like:
- Consultation and imaging: We take a CBCT scan and review your goals for replacing the tooth or teeth.
- Comfort planning: We discuss anesthesia options with you, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, which our board-certified dental anesthesiologist provides.
- Grafting: The sinus membrane is lifted and graft material is placed to build up the bone.
- Healing: The graft is given time to integrate with your jaw before the implant is placed. In some cases, the two steps may be combined.
- Implant and restoration: Once the foundation is ready, the implant is placed and later topped with a custom restoration.
After surgery, we give you written aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment. Typical guidance after sinus procedures includes avoiding forceful nose blowing, taking care when sneezing, eating soft foods at first, and keeping up gentle oral hygiene. Follow-up visits let us check on healing. If something doesn't feel right, contact our office, since we offer emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for sinus lift surgery?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available. Coverage for grafting and implants varies from plan to plan, so our team will review your benefits and explain your expected costs before treatment begins.
If you're paying out of pocket, we'll go over your options so you can plan ahead, including financing that spreads the cost over time. Our goal is for Simi Valley patients to understand the full picture of their implant treatment up front. That way, cost questions don't keep you from making a decision about your oral health.
How do I get started?
Start by scheduling a consultation with our team in Thousand Oaks. We'll evaluate your bone, answer your questions, and map out each stage of treatment, from grafting to your final tooth.
Many families from Simi Valley already rely on us for cleanings, exams, and other care. Adding implant planning to that relationship keeps your treatment in familiar hands. Reach out to 805 Dentistry to find out whether a sinus lift is the right first step toward your new smile.