Why Some Patients Need a Sinus Lift Before Getting Dental Implants

If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone in your upper jaw for dental implants, you’re not out of options. A sinus lift — also called a sinus augmentation — is one of the most common preparatory procedures performed at our oral surgery practice in Gilbert, AZ, and it’s often the key that makes implant placement possible for patients who were initially told “no.”

At Gilbertson OMA Oral Surgery (Sonoma Oral and Facial Surgery), board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Kevin Burns performs sinus lifts as a routine precursor to dental implant placement. Patients travel to our Gilbert, AZ office from across the East Valley — including Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Tempe — to undergo this procedure in a comfortable, experienced setting.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

Your upper back teeth sit close to your maxillary sinuses — the air-filled cavities on either side of your nose. When upper molars or premolars are lost, the bone beneath the sinus can resorb (shrink) over time, leaving insufficient bone height to anchor a dental implant securely.

A sinus lift addresses this by gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone grafting material in the space created. Over the next several months, the grafted bone integrates with your existing bone, creating a stable, dense foundation for one or more implants.

This procedure is extremely well-studied — sinus augmentation has been performed for more than 40 years, and implants placed in grafted sinuses have long-term success rates comparable to implants placed in native bone.

Do You Need a Sinus Lift? Signs You Might Be a Candidate

Not every implant patient needs a sinus lift. Dr. Burns uses advanced 3D cone beam imaging (CBCT) at our Gilbert, AZ office to assess your exact bone height and sinus anatomy before recommending any procedure. A sinus lift is typically indicated when:

• You’ve lost one or more upper back teeth (molars or premolars)
• Bone loss has occurred due to gum disease or prolonged tooth absence
• Your sinuses are naturally large, leaving limited bone height
• A previous scan showed less than 4–6 mm of available bone height in the posterior maxilla
• You’re considering All-on-4 dental implants and need upper arch support

Patients in Gilbert, AZ and surrounding communities like Mesa and Chandler frequently discover during their initial consultation that this one preparatory step unlocks their path to permanent, implant-supported teeth.

The Sinus Lift Procedure: Step by Step

Consultation and 3D Imaging

Before any surgery, Dr. Burns will take a CBCT scan to map your sinus anatomy, measure available bone height, and confirm there are no sinus infections or abnormalities that would require treatment first. This imaging is done right here in our Gilbert, AZ office.

The Day of Surgery

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation for your comfort. Most patients from Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley are pleasantly surprised by how smooth the experience is.

1. A small incision is made in the gum tissue at the back of the upper jaw.
2. The sinus membrane is carefully lifted to create space beneath it.
3. Bone graft material — which may be your own bone, donor bone, or a synthetic bone substitute — is packed into the newly created space.
4. The incision is closed and healing begins.

The procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes per side. If only one side needs augmentation, the appointment is often shorter.

Healing and Implant Placement

The grafted bone needs 4–9 months to fully mature before implants are placed. During this time, you’ll have periodic check-ins at our Gilbert office. Once Dr. Burns confirms adequate bone density via a follow-up scan, implant placement can be scheduled — a separate, equally routine procedure.

Sinus Lift Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery after a sinus lift is manageable for the vast majority of patients. Here’s what’s typical in the days and weeks following surgery:

• Days 1–3: Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort around the cheek and upper jaw. Cold compresses and prescribed pain medication keep this well-controlled.
• First week: Avoid blowing your nose forcefully — sneezing or nose-blowing can dislodge the graft. Our team provides specific sinus precautions at discharge.
• 2–4 weeks: Soft diet recommended. Most patients from Tempe and Chandler return to desk work within 2–3 days.
• 4–9 months: The graft matures silently beneath the surface. You can live normally during this period.

Complications are uncommon but can include membrane perforation (managed during surgery) or sinus infection. Dr. Burns will discuss all risks thoroughly at your consultation in Gilbert, AZ.

Sinus Lift Combined with Dental Implants: The Full Picture

For many patients, the sinus lift is just one part of a multi-step journey to a permanent smile. Here’s how it fits into the larger treatment arc:

1. Extraction of failing teeth (if needed) — see our guide on impacted tooth removal in Gilbert, AZ if a problematic tooth is involved
2. Sinus lift / bone grafting — building the foundation
3. Implant placement — titanium post inserted into the matured graft
4. Crown or prosthesis attachment — your restorative dentist places the final tooth

Patients pursuing All-on-4 dental implants in Gilbert, AZ sometimes ask whether they need a sinus lift before that procedure. The answer depends on anatomy — All-on-4 is specifically designed to use angled implants that often bypass the sinus entirely, but a sinus lift may still be necessary in certain cases. Dr. Burns will outline the most efficient path during your initial consultation.

Why Gilbert, AZ Patients Choose Sonoma Oral and Facial Surgery

Patients from across the East Valley — Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Tempe, and beyond — choose Dr. Kevin Burns for sinus lifts and dental implants for several important reasons:

• Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon: Dr. Burns completed a full surgical residency, meaning sinus lifts are within his core specialty — not a procedure outside his training.
• In-house 3D CBCT imaging: No need to be referred elsewhere for diagnostic scans. Everything is done under one roof in Gilbert, AZ.
• IV sedation available: Patients who are anxious about oral surgery can be fully comfortable throughout the procedure.
• Coordination with your restorative dentist: Dr. Burns works closely with your general dentist or prosthodontist in Gilbert or the surrounding East Valley to make the handoff to final crown placement seamless.

Schedule a Sinus Lift Consultation in Gilbert, AZ

If you’ve been told you may not have enough bone for implants, or if you’ve been putting off replacing a missing upper tooth, contact Sonoma Oral and Facial Surgery today. A sinus lift evaluation with Dr. Kevin Burns is the first step toward understanding exactly what’s possible for your smile.

We serve patients from Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Tempe. Our office is conveniently located in Gilbert, AZ — call us to schedule your consultation or use our online booking form.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient’s anatomy and clinical situation is unique. Please consult with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine whether a sinus lift or dental implants are appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sinus Lift in Gilbert, AZ

How painful is a sinus lift procedure?

Most patients at our Gilbert, AZ office are surprised at how manageable the discomfort is. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, so you feel nothing during surgery. Post-operative soreness is typically well-controlled with prescribed medication and typically peaks within 48 hours before gradually subsiding.

How long does a sinus lift take to heal?

The graft requires 4–9 months to fully integrate with your existing bone before implants can be placed. During the first 2–4 weeks, patients follow a soft diet and specific sinus precautions. Most return to normal daily activities within a few days of surgery.

Can I get a sinus lift and implants on the same day?

In select cases — when there is at least 4–5 mm of existing bone height — Dr. Burns may be able to place the implant and perform the sinus lift simultaneously. This decision is based entirely on your CBCT scan results and clinical assessment at our Gilbert, AZ office.

How much does a sinus lift cost in Gilbert, AZ?

Sinus lift costs vary depending on whether one or both sides are treated, the type of bone graft material used, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments. We recommend scheduling a consultation so Dr. Burns can provide an accurate treatment plan and our team can review your insurance coverage and financing options.

Is a sinus lift covered by dental insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Some dental and medical insurance plans partially cover sinus augmentation when it is medically necessary. Our team at Sonoma Oral and Facial Surgery in Gilbert, AZ is experienced in navigating insurance questions and will help you understand your benefits before surgery.