Sinus Lift Surgery in Calgary
When the upper jaw lacks enough bone for implants, a sinus lift rebuilds the area. Tooth Bar in Calgary uses 3D imaging for precise, predictable sinus lift surgery.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is a specialized type of bone graft that increases bone height in the upper back jaw, in the area beneath the maxillary sinuses. It's performed when there isn't enough vertical bone to safely place dental implants for the upper molars and premolars. The procedure gently lifts the sinus floor membrane upward and adds graft material in the newly created space, building the foundation for future implants.
Sinus lifts are well-established and very predictable when planned with modern 3D imaging. At Tooth Bar in Calgary, we use 3D CBCT scans to map the precise position, shape, and thickness of each sinus before surgery, so the procedure is tailored to your specific anatomy.
There are two main techniques. A lateral window sinus lift creates a small access window on the side of the upper jaw and is used for larger lifts. A crestal (internal) sinus lift is performed through the implant site itself and is used for smaller lifts, often at the same visit as the implant placement.
Who Needs a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift is typically needed when bone has been lost in the upper back jaw, leaving too little vertical height to support an implant. Common reasons include long-term loss of upper molars or premolars (the bone shrinks once teeth are gone), gum disease that has destroyed bone in the upper jaw, naturally large or low-positioned maxillary sinuses, and wearing an upper denture for many years.
You will not know whether you need a sinus lift until imaging is done. The 3D CBCT scan during your consultation measures the exact bone height beneath each sinus and tells us with precision whether a sinus lift is needed, what type, and how much graft material will be required.
Benefits of a Sinus Lift
The most direct benefit of a sinus lift is that it makes upper-jaw implants possible when they otherwise wouldn't be safe to place. Without adequate bone height, an implant placed in the upper back jaw would protrude into the sinus cavity, leading to failure and potential sinus complications. A successful sinus lift builds the bone needed for long-term implant success.
The procedure also opens the door to better long-term tooth replacement. Bridges and conventional dentures are workable alternatives, but they don't restore chewing power or preserve bone the way implants do. For patients who want to chew properly on both sides, implants on the upper back jaw are often essential, and a sinus lift makes them feasible.
Modern sinus lift surgery is well-tolerated. The vast majority of patients heal smoothly with minimal complications, and the graft typically integrates within 4 to 9 months depending on the size of the lift.
Our Sinus Lift Process
A sinus lift timeline depends on the technique used and the size of the graft.
Stage 1: planning. The 3D CBCT scan maps the sinus position, the bone available, and the optimal surgical approach. You receive a written plan, timeline, and cost estimate. We also screen for any active sinus infections or anatomical concerns that should be addressed before surgery.
Stage 2: the sinus lift procedure. Performed under local anesthesia with sedation options. For a lateral window lift, a small access opening is made on the side of the upper jaw, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, graft material is placed, and the area is closed with sutures. The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. For a crestal lift, the access goes through the planned implant site and is shorter, often combined with same-visit implant placement.
Stage 3: healing. For lateral window lifts, healing takes 4 to 9 months before the implant can be placed. For crestal lifts with simultaneous implants, healing follows the standard implant timeline (3 to 4 months). Most patients describe recovery as mild, with some swelling and minor sinus pressure for a few days that resolves with over-the-counter medication.
Stage 4: implant placement. Once the graft has matured, implants are placed using the new bone as their foundation. From there, the case follows the standard implant timeline.
Sinus Lift FAQs
Will a sinus lift affect my breathing or sinuses long-term?
No. The sinus membrane is lifted, not removed, and the procedure does not change how your sinuses function. Most patients experience normal sinus function once healing is complete.
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and you don't feel it during treatment. Recovery typically involves mild swelling and minor sinus pressure for a few days, manageable with over-the-counter medication. Most patients are back to normal activities within a few days.
How long do I need to wait before getting the implant?
It depends on the type of lift. A small crestal lift can sometimes be combined with same-visit implant placement, allowing the case to follow the standard implant timeline. A larger lateral window lift typically requires 4 to 9 months of healing before the implant is placed. Imaging during healing tells us when the graft is ready.
What if I have a sinus infection or allergies?
Active sinus infections need to be resolved before surgery. We can usually proceed during normal allergy seasons, with appropriate planning. Tell us about any chronic sinus issues at the consultation so we can plan accordingly.
How much does a sinus lift cost in Calgary?
Cost depends on the technique used, the size of the lift, and whether implants are placed at the same visit. Insurance coverage varies by plan, and Beautifi financing is available. We provide a clear written estimate at consultation before any work begins.
Make Upper-Jaw Implants Possible
If you've been told your upper jaw doesn't have enough bone for implants, a sinus lift may be the answer. Book a consultation at Tooth Bar in Calgary and we'll show you the 3D scan, walk you through what's possible, and give you a clear plan.
Call 1-403-246-1002 or book online to schedule.