Sinus Lift Surgery in West Hills
Imagine you lost an upper back tooth a while ago, and now you're ready to replace it with a dental implant. At your consultation, you learn that the bone in your upper jaw has thinned, and the floor of your sinus sits too close to where the implant would go. This is a common situation, and it is exactly where a sinus lift can help. For patients in West Hills who are planning implants in the upper jaw, our team at 805 Dentistry offers sinus lift surgery as part of a coordinated implant plan, so you can move forward with confidence.
A sinus lift, sometimes called a sinus augmentation, is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars. Your maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces just above the roots of your upper back teeth. When teeth are lost, the surrounding bone can gradually shrink, and the sinus can expand downward into that space. The result is often too little bone height to hold a dental implant securely.
During a sinus lift, we gently raise the thin membrane that lines the bottom of the sinus and place bone grafting material in the space beneath it. Over time, that graft becomes part of your jaw, creating a stronger foundation for an implant. Because we place dental implants and perform bone grafting in our own office, your sinus lift becomes one step in a single, connected treatment plan rather than a separate referral elsewhere.
Planning is what makes a sinus lift predictable, and it starts with clear imaging. Our office provides CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows the height and width of your jawbone, the shape of your sinus, and the position of nearby structures. Our team includes a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist, along with a board-certified periodontist who places dental implants and performs periodontal procedures.
For West Hills families, this means the specialists involved in your care work under one roof. You won't need a referral to see our periodontist, and our on-site dental lab supports the restorative side of your treatment. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team see patients from across the area, including West Hills, Woodland Hills, and Calabasas, and we keep the process organized so you always know what comes next.
Am I a good candidate for a sinus lift?
You may be a good candidate if you want an implant in the upper back of your mouth but don't have enough bone height to support it. This often happens after a tooth has been missing for some time, after gum disease has affected the bone, or simply because of the natural shape of your sinus and jaw.
The only way to know for sure is a thorough exam and 3D imaging. We review your overall dental health, the condition of your gums, and your goals for tooth replacement. A sinus lift may support a single implant, an implant-supported bridge, or a larger plan such as full arch implants. Some of the benefits our patients look for include:
- A more stable foundation for implants in the upper jaw
- The option to choose implants instead of a removable partial denture
- Treatment planned and completed within one practice
- Sedation options for patients who feel anxious about surgery
What happens during the procedure, and is it uncomfortable?
Your comfort is a priority, and you'll be numbed so the area is comfortable during treatment. For patients with dental anxiety, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers several options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll talk through these choices beforehand so you can pick what feels right.
On the day of surgery, we access the area, carefully lift the sinus membrane, and place the graft material. Afterward, the graft needs time to integrate with your natural bone before an implant is placed. In some cases, an implant may be placed during the same visit. Our team will explain which approach fits your situation and why.
How should I care for myself afterward?
Follow the specific instructions we give you, because protecting the graft while it heals is important. Patients are usually asked to avoid blowing their nose forcefully, to sneeze with the mouth open, and to skip straws for a period of time, since pressure changes can disturb the treated area.
Expect some swelling or mild discomfort in the first several days. Eating soft foods and keeping up gentle oral hygiene can help. We schedule follow-up visits to check your healing, and once the graft is ready, we'll move ahead with your implant. If something doesn't feel right, call us; our office offers emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for sinus lift surgery?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients as well. Coverage for a sinus lift varies by plan, so our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
Financing is also available, which allows many West Hills patients to spread the cost of their implant care over time. During your consultation, we'll review your treatment plan and costs clearly so there are no surprises. Then you can make the decision that works best for your health and your budget.