Sinus Lift Surgery

A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation) is a routine bone grafting procedure that adds height and volume to the upper jawbone in the area of your back teeth (molars and premolars).

It is needed because when you lose upper back teeth, the jawbone in that area naturally shrinks and resorbs over time, often losing up to 40% to 60% of its volume within the first three years. At the same time, your natural sinus cavities (the air-filled spaces above your teeth) can expand downward into that space. Since dental implants require a solid foundation of bone to anchor into securely, a sinus lift safely pushes the sinus membrane back up and fills the space with new bone material, creating the secure base your implant needs.

The procedure is carefully planned using a 3D CBCT scan to precisely map your bone structure and sinus anatomy. To ensure no external scarring, a tiny incision is made entirely on the inside of your mouth along the gumline. Our specialists then use an advanced Acteon Cube Piezosurgery unit, which relies on gentle ultrasonic vibrations to safely access the area without harming the delicate sinus membrane. Finally, the membrane is gently lifted, the space underneath is filled with high-quality bone graft material, and the gum is comfortably closed with dissolvable stitches.

You will not feel pain during the procedure itself because the area will be completely numbed with local anaesthetic. For patients who feel particularly nervous, we also offer dental sedation options to help you feel deeply relaxed and at ease throughout.

After the numbness wears off, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and a dull ache for a few days, which can be easily managed with standard over-the-counter painkillers or medication prescribed by our team. Most patients find they can return to work and normal activities within 1 to 2 days. The complete healing process, where the graft integrates and turns into solid, natural bone, takes between 4 and 6 months before your dental implants can be placed.

Like any surgical procedure, a sinus lift carries minor risks, though complications are rare when performed by experienced specialists. The most common risk is a small tear in the delicate sinus membrane; if this occurs during surgery, our specialists can immediately repair it or place a protective patch over it to let it heal. As with all dental treatments, there is also a small risk of infection, which we manage proactively by providing clear aftercare guidelines and prescribing antibiotics if necessary. Finally, you may feel temporary congestion or pressure in your sinuses for a week or two, similar to a mild cold. Following your post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding blowing your nose forcefully, significantly reduces these risks.

You can receive expert sinus lift surgery right here at Pearl Dental Clinic. Our clinic is open 365 days a year from 9am to 10pm. Our highly experienced dental implant and oral surgery specialists have been safely performing advanced bone grafting and sinus treatments for patients across Kingston, Richmond, and the wider London area for many years. When booking a sinus lift procedure with us, you are in safe and experienced hands.