Sinus Lifts

If you have been told you do not have enough bone for dental implants in your upper jaw, a sinus lift can rebuild that foundation. At Lenox Hill Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Peter Rosa, DDS, MD, FACS, and Dr. Scott Goldstein perform sinus lift surgery at our offices in Bayside, Queens and on Manhattan's Upper East Side. We care for patients across Queens, including Little Neck, Douglaston, Whitestone, and Flushing, as well as neighboring Nassau County on Long Island and throughout New York City. Call (718) 428-8900 to schedule a consultation.

What Is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift, also called a sinus augmentation, raises the floor of the maxillary sinus and adds bone graft material to the upper jaw. The maxillary sinuses sit just above your back upper teeth, and when those teeth are lost, the bone beneath the sinus often thins over time. A sinus lift restores enough bone height and volume in that area to securely anchor dental implants.

Why You Might Need a Sinus Lift

The upper back jaw is one of the most challenging areas to place implants, because it naturally has less bone and sits close to the sinus. You may need a sinus lift if you have:

• Lost one or more upper back teeth
• Experienced bone loss from gum disease
• Worn dentures for a long period, which accelerates bone loss
• Naturally large sinuses or thin bone in the upper jaw

Without enough healthy bone, an implant cannot integrate and hold. The sinus lift creates that missing foundation so implant treatment becomes possible.

A sinus lift is almost always a step toward dental implants. It is one of the most common forms of bone grafting we perform for the upper jaw. Depending on how much bone you have to start with, the implant may be placed at the same time as the graft, or the graft may need several months to mature before the implant is placed. Dr. Rosa uses cone beam CT imaging to measure your bone precisely and determine which approach is right for you.

The Sinus Lift Procedure

Planning and Imaging

Every case begins with a 3D cone beam CT scan, which lets Dr. Rosa map your sinus anatomy and bone in detail and plan the graft down to the millimeter.

The Surgery

A small opening is made to access the bone beneath the sinus, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed in the space created. The area is then closed to heal. The procedure is performed in our office and can be done under local anesthesia, with IV sedation available for patients who prefer to be fully relaxed.

Healing

Over the following months, the graft integrates with your natural bone to form a strong new foundation. Once healed, your implants can be placed and secured in the newly built bone.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is. Mild swelling and minor discomfort are normal for the first few days and are easily managed with the instructions we provide. We ask that you avoid blowing your nose forcefully and follow a few simple precautions while the graft heals. Dr. Rosa and the team monitor your progress at follow-up visits at either our Bayside or Upper East Side office.

Sinus lift surgery sits close to delicate anatomy, so the surgeon's training matters. Dr. Peter Rosa holds both a dental degree and a medical degree from NYU and is one of the very few oral surgeons in the tri-state area designated a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Both Dr. Rosa and Dr. Goldstein are board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the highest designation in the specialty, and the practice has served New York families for more than 40 years. With two fully digital offices in Bayside and on the Upper East Side, expert care is close to home whether you are in Queens, Manhattan, or Long Island.

How much does a sinus lift cost in NYC?

Cost depends on the complexity of your case, the graft material used, and whether an implant is placed at the same time. Our team reviews the full estimate with you at your consultation and will help you understand your insurance coverage before treatment begins.

Is a sinus lift painful?

The procedure itself is not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation available. Most patients report only mild soreness and swelling for a few days afterward, well controlled with the aftercare plan we provide.

How long before I can get implants after a sinus lift?

If the graft is placed on its own, it typically needs several months to mature before implants are placed. In some cases with adequate starting bone, the implant can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift. Your cone beam scan determines which is right for you.

Do I really need a sinus lift for upper implants?

Not everyone does. If you have enough healthy bone beneath the sinus, implants can be placed without one. A sinus lift is recommended only when your imaging shows there is not enough bone to support an implant safely.

Is a sinus lift safe?

Yes. It is a well-established, routine procedure in experienced hands. Performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon using 3D imaging, it has a strong safety record and a high success rate.

Rebuild Your Foundation for Implants

If you have been told you lack the bone for upper implants, a sinus lift may be the answer. Call Lenox Hill Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at (718) 428-8900 to schedule a consultation at our Bayside or Upper East Side office, or request an appointment online.