Sinus Lift for Dental Implants in North Hollywood, CA
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the upper back teeth, creating the height and volume needed to place dental implants.
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located just above the upper back teeth. When upper back teeth are lost, the bone beneath the sinus floor naturally resorbs, and the sinus cavity can expand downward into the space where the tooth roots once were.
This leaves insufficient bone height for implant placement. A sinus lift addresses this by gently lifting the sinus membrane and packing bone grafting material beneath it, creating a new foundation for implants.
At A Dental Center in North Hollywood, Dr. Fadi Elzayat, DDS FICOI, performs sinus lift procedures entirely in-house as part of a comprehensive upper jaw implant treatment plan.
Why is a sinus lift needed for upper jaw implants?
Dental implants in the upper back jaw require a minimum bone height of approximately 10 millimetres to be placed safely without entering the sinus cavity.
When upper molars or premolars have been missing for an extended period, the combination of bone resorption and sinus pneumatization, which is the expansion of the sinus cavity downward, can reduce available bone height to 4 or 5 millimetres or less in some cases.
Without a sinus lift, placing implants in this region would risk perforating the sinus membrane, leading to serious complications.
A sinus lift creates the additional bone height needed so implants can be placed safely and integrate successfully.
Not every patient missing upper back teeth requires a sinus lift. Some patients retain adequate bone height and can proceed directly to implant placement.
Dr. Elzayat uses Cone Beam 3D imaging to measure bone height precisely at each proposed implant site and will tell you clearly whether a sinus lift is needed in your case.
Lateral window sinus lift vs. transcrestal sinus lift
Two main surgical techniques are used for sinus lift procedures, chosen based on how much bone height is available at the implant site.
The lateral window technique is used when bone height is severely deficient, typically less than 5 millimetres.
A small window is created in the side wall of the sinus, the membrane is gently lifted away from the sinus floor, and grafting material is packed into the space created beneath it.
This technique allows a larger volume of bone to be added and is the more predictable approach when significant height gain is needed.
Implants are typically placed in a separate procedure three to six months later, after the graft has integrated.
The transcrestal technique, also called an osteotome or crestal approach, is a less invasive option used when bone height is between 5 and 8 millimetres.
The sinus floor is gently elevated through the implant site itself without creating a separate window in the sinus wall.
This technique has a faster recovery and in many cases, allows the implant to be placed at the same appointment as the sinus lift.
Dr. Elzayat will determine which technique is appropriate based on the Cone Beam 3D imaging findings at your consultation.
The sinus lift procedure at A Dental Center
Sinus lift surgery at A Dental Center is performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Sedation is available for patients who prefer a more comfortable experience.
For a lateral window sinus lift, a small incision is made in the gum tissue at the back of the upper jaw to expose the sinus wall.
A small oval window is carefully created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted.
Bone grafting material is packed into the space beneath the membrane to the required height.
The window is covered with a membrane and the gum tissue is closed with sutures.
Recovery from a lateral window sinus lift typically involves mild to moderate swelling and discomfort for three to five days, well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief.
Patients are advised to avoid blowing their nose, sneezing forcefully, or any activity that increases sinus pressure during the initial healing period.
The graft integrates with existing bone over three to six months.
Once Dr. Elzayat confirms sufficient bone height has been achieved through follow-up imaging, implant placement is scheduled.
Combining sinus lift with implant placement
In cases where the transcrestal technique is used and bone height permits, implants can often be placed at the same appointment as the sinus lift, reducing the overall number of surgical visits and shortening the treatment timeline.
For lateral window cases where a larger volume of new bone is required, a healing period is needed before implant placement to allow the graft to fully integrate. Dr. Elzayat will give you a clear timeline at your consultation based on the specific measurements taken from your Cone Beam 3D scan.
Does All-on-4 avoid the need for a sinus lift?
One of the advantages of All-on-4 treatment for full arch restoration is that the two posterior implants in each arch are placed at an angle specifically designed to engage available bone in areas that are less affected by sinus proximity.
In many patients with upper jaw bone loss, the All-on-4 technique avoids the need for a sinus lift entirely by finding sufficient bone volume away from the sinus floor.
This is one reason All-on-4 is often a faster and more straightforward treatment pathway for patients who have been told they need a sinus lift before implants.
However, All-on-4 is not suitable for every patient, and a thorough assessment is always required.
Dr. Elzayat will review your Cone Beam imaging and advise you honestly on whether All-on-4 eliminates the need for a sinus lift in your specific case.
A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone in the upper jaw.
Sinus lift at A Dental Center in North Hollywood
A Dental Center performs sinus lift procedures entirely in-house with no referrals to external oral surgeons or specialists. All stages of treatment, from the initial consultation and Cone Beam 3D imaging through to the sinus lift surgery, implant placement, and final restoration, are completed by Dr. Elzayat and the team at one location.
The practice accepts most major dental insurance plans and offers flexible third-party financing with monthly payments starting at $349 and terms up to 120 months.
Sinus lift costs are discussed in full transparency during your free consultation.
Free consultations are available with same-day and next-day scheduling.
Call (818) 593-0700 or book online.
Address: 11335 Magnolia Blvd Suite #1a, North Hollywood, CA 91601