Sinus lift in Southwest Ranches and Kendall: a complete patient guide
A sinus lift is one of those procedures most patients have never heard of until a dentist mentions it — and then suddenly it's standing between them and a dental implant. The short version: when you lose an upper back tooth, the bone underneath can resorb upward, leaving too little vertical bone to anchor an implant. A sinus lift adds bone graft material in the space between your upper jaw and your maxillary sinus, creating a foundation for the implant.
Dr. Ramon Perez-Rosich performs sinus lifts at OMS Associates in Southwest Ranches and Kendall. We do both lateral-window and crestal (osteotome) techniques depending on how much height you need.
Why a sinus lift may be necessary
- Long-standing upper back tooth loss has thinned the bone
- Your maxillary sinus has expanded into the space the tooth root used to occupy
- The current bone height is insufficient to place a dental implant safely
Without a sinus lift, an implant in this area can fail or perforate into the sinus. With one, success rates for the subsequent implant rise into the same range as implants in unmodified bone.
What happens during the procedure
- Outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation
- A small access is created in the upper jaw
- The sinus membrane is gently lifted upward
- Bone graft material is placed in the created space
- The site is closed with sutures
- Healing takes four to nine months before implant placement, depending on the graft type and your biology
Two main techniques
Lateral-window sinus lift
Used when significant height is needed. A small access is created on the side of the upper jaw, the sinus membrane is lifted, and graft material is placed. More invasive but allows larger volumes of graft.
Crestal (osteotome) sinus lift
Used when only a small amount of additional height is needed. The lift is performed through the implant site itself. Less invasive and often combined with same-day implant placement when conditions allow.
Recovery
- Days 1–3: swelling, mild bruising, prescribed pain management. No nose blowing.
- Week 1: most patients return to normal activities
- Weeks 2–4: routine follow-up to check graft integration
- Months 4–9: the graft consolidates into bone strong enough to anchor an implant
The most important rule during early healing: do not blow your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open. This protects the lifted sinus membrane.
Why OMS Associates for sinus lift
- Board-certified surgeon performing both lateral and crestal techniques
- 3D imaging to map your sinus anatomy precisely
- Same surgeon for the lift, the implant, and the follow-up
- Coordination with your restorative dentist on timing
Frequently asked questions
How long does a sinus lift take?
The procedure itself is typically 60 to 90 minutes. You'll be in the office for two to three hours including preparation and recovery.
Is a sinus lift painful?
Patients commonly report less discomfort than they expect — closer to a standard extraction than to a major surgery. Post-operative pain is typically well controlled with prescribed medication for a few days.
How much does a sinus lift cost in South Florida?
Cost varies with technique, graft material, and whether it's combined with an implant. We'll give you a clear written estimate at the consult.
Will my insurance cover it?
Some dental and medical plans cover portions of the sinus lift, particularly when it's part of a larger reconstruction. We'll verify your benefits before treatment.
Ready to talk to a surgeon?
If your dentist has mentioned that you need a sinus lift before an implant, the next step is a consult with an oral surgeon who performs the procedure regularly. Call 954-693-0026 (Southwest Ranches) or 786-210-6160 (Kendall).