The location matters.
The upper-jaw sinus lies above the back teeth. Its position and the amount of bone available affect implant planning.
SINUS AUGMENTATION & UPPER-JAW IMPLANTS
Sinus lift
in Thousand Oaks.
Told you need more bone
before an upper implant?
A sinus lift may be recommended when there is limited bone beneath the sinus at a planned upper back-tooth implant site. At Lombard Dental Studio in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Vadim Lebovich can help you understand the recommendation, treatment stages and any specialist referral.
WHAT IS A SINUS LIFT?
Develop bone
beneath the sinus.
Also called sinus augmentation, this procedure raises the sinus lining and may place graft material below it. The aim is to develop bone for selected implants in the back of the upper jaw.
Imaging guides the decision.
The team assesses the planned implant site and surrounding anatomy before recommending augmentation.
A lift is not always needed.
Ask whether the existing bone supports a suitable implant plan or whether another replacement approach is appropriate.
THE SURGICAL APPROACH
Access chosen
for the anatomy.
The surgeon considers the existing bone, sinus position and amount of augmentation required. Ask which approach is proposed and why it fits your site.
The cross-section illustrates graft placement below the sinus lining. Your own imaging provides the detail needed for a treatment decision.
INTERNAL APPROACH
Through the implant site.
Selected sites with existing bone may allow access through the planned implant opening for a smaller lift.
LATERAL APPROACH
From the side of the jaw.
Other sites need access from the side of the upper jaw to raise the lining and place graft material.
WHEN CAN THE IMPLANT BE PLACED?
One visit or
separate stages?
The amount of existing bone and the ability to stabilize an implant influence the sequence. The final replacement tooth is a later part of the restorative plan.
Augmentation with an implant.
Selected sites allow sinus augmentation and implant placement at the same visit. Healing and later restorative appointments are still needed.
Graft healing first.
Other sites need time for bone development before an implant is placed. The clinician reviews healing and readiness for the next stage.
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Review your options
with Dr. Lebovich.
Bring your implant recommendation and available imaging. Discuss alternatives, who will provide surgery and follow-up, and how each stage fits your care.
Mention sinus problems, previous sinus surgery, smoking and your medicines so the team can plan appropriately.
Review an existing recommendationSINUS-LIFT RECOVERY
Protect the site
during recovery.
Soreness and swelling may occur after surgery. Follow the surgeon’s site-specific instructions for sinus pressure, medicines, food, cleaning and activity.
Protect sinus healing
Follow the surgeon’s instructions about nose blowing, sneezing, pressure changes, and activity. Do not substitute generic extraction instructions.
Keep the wound clean
Use the prescribed cleaning and food plan. Avoid smoking or vaping, and take medications only as directed.
Report concerning symptoms
Call about worsening swelling or pain, fever, drainage, persistent bleeding, or fluid passing between the mouth and nose.
SINUS LIFT COSTS IN THOUSAND OAKS
Understand the graft
and implant estimates.
The approach, materials, imaging, anesthesia and reviews affect the fee. The implant, temporary tooth and final restoration may be separate charges.
Insurance benefits vary. Ask for a written breakdown of each stage and your expected share.
Explore payment optionsConfirm what the estimate includes.
- Examination, imaging and surgical planning
- Sinus augmentation, materials and anesthesia
- Healing reviews and any specialist fees
- Implant placement and final restorative work
Discuss the timing and costs of alternatives, and what happens if additional healing is needed.
YOUR QUESTIONS
Sinus lift
questions.
Discuss your situation and the recommended next steps with the treating team.
Is a sinus lift a gum-lifting cosmetic procedure?
No. It addresses bone below the upper-jaw sinus for selected implant sites. It does not reshape a smile by lifting the gum line.
Does every upper implant need a sinus lift?
No. The implant location, sinus position, available bone, and restorative design determine whether it is needed.
Can the implant be placed at the same time?
Sometimes. Existing bone and the ability to stabilize the implant guide the decision. Other sites need a period of graft healing first.
What if I have recurring sinus problems?
Report symptoms and previous treatment before planning surgery. Further sinus evaluation or a change in timing may be appropriate.
Where does the graft material come from?
Materials can be patient-derived, processed human donor, animal-derived, or synthetic. Ask what is proposed and discuss any preferences or concerns.
How long before I can get the final tooth?
The plan may include graft healing, implant healing, and restorative visits. It is usually longer than early gum recovery; ask for the anticipated full sequence.
Can I avoid a sinus lift?
Selected alternatives may be appropriate, including a different implant plan or non-implant replacement. They have their own limitations and require assessment.
What should I avoid afterward?
Follow the surgeon’s written instructions about sinus pressure, cleaning, food, activity, smoking, and medicines. Contact the team if symptoms are unexpected or worsen.
Will a sinus lift hurt?
The area is numbed for surgery. Soreness and swelling can occur afterward. Discuss comfort measures and your recovery instructions with the treating clinician.
What happens if the sinus lining tears?
A tear is a known risk. The surgeon may be able to repair it, or may need to stop and allow healing before further treatment. Ask how this possibility affects the plan and timing.
LOMBARD DENTAL STUDIO · THOUSAND OAKS
Understand the reason
for the recommendation.
Bring your implant plan and any available imaging. Discuss sinus augmentation, suitable alternatives and any specialist coordination with Dr. Lebovich.
245 Lombard St, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 · Monday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm
Further reading: AAP: sinus augmentation · Cambridge University Hospitals: sinus lift
