Sinus Lift in San Diego, CA
Bone loss in your upper jaw can occur after tooth loss or as a result of natural sinus expansion, leaving you with less bone available to securely anchor dental implants. Without adequate bone support, implant placement in the back of your mouth becomes more difficult and may affect the long-term stability of your dental restorations. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, our sinus lift procedures are designed to safely and effectively rebuild lost bone in the upper jaw, creating the support necessary for lasting, successful implant results.
Using advanced sinus augmentation techniques, Dr. Kohani gently lifts the sinus membrane and adds bone graft material to strengthen and restore your upper jaw. Each sinus lift procedure is tailored to your individual anatomy and treatment goals, ensuring a smooth and comfortable procedure with natural-looking, functional results that enhance and maintain both your smile and oral health.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a specialized bone-grafting procedure that increases the amount of bone in your upper jaw, specifically around the molars and premolars. The goal is to create a stronger, more stable foundation for dental implants when there isn’t enough existing bone due to bone loss, gum disease, or the natural anatomy of your maxillary sinus.
When you lose one or more teeth in your upper back jaw, the lack of bone stimulation from the tooth root can lead to bone loss, also known as bone resorption. When bone loss occurs, there is often insufficient bone height to securely anchor a dental implant. Additionally, the maxillary sinus, which sits above your upper teeth, may naturally shift into the space where the tooth once was, further reducing available bone height. A sinus lift gently repositions the sinus membrane upward and adds bone graft material to create healthy, supportive bone for future implants.
By rebuilding this critical tooth and implant support structure, a sinus lift makes it possible for patients who were previously told they lack sufficient bone for dental implants to enjoy long-lasting, functional, and natural-looking tooth replacements.
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“At our practice, we do not cut corners. We only use the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment available.”rn— Dr. Kohani
How It Works
What Is the Process for a Sinus Lift?
Step One
Contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at (858) 295-0603 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Step Two
Meet with Dr. Kohani to discuss your concerns about bone loss in your upper jaw, undergo an examination to determine your candidacy for the procedure, and learn about your sinus lift options.
Step Three
During your appointment, the sinus area is gently accessed so it can be lifted and prepared for grafting.
Step Four
The bone graft is placed and secured in your jaw, where it will integrate during the healing process.
Step Five
Once the bone graft has fully integrated with your jawbone and new bone has formed, dental implants can be securely placed.
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Consultation
Your sinus lift procedure begins with a thorough consultation and evaluation. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Kohani uses advanced 3D imaging technology to assess the quality and volume of your jawbone. These detailed scans reveal the extent of bone loss and help determine if a sinus lift is a viable option that will achieve optimal results.
During your appointment, Dr. Kohani will review your medical history, provide a detailed explanation of the treatment, and outline what to expect throughout each phase of the process. His personalized approach ensures you have a clear understanding of what a sinus lift entails, including the treatment, your recovery timeline, and your expected results.
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Accessing the Sinus Area and Lifting the Sinus Membrane
Dr. Kohani will begin the sinus lift procedure by gently accessing the sinus area through a small opening in the gum near your upper back teeth. This gives him access to the treatment area, allowing him to gently lift the sinus lining to create space for the bone graft.
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Placing the Bone Graft Material
Bone graft material—either from your own body (autogenous), a donor source (allogeneic or xenograft), or synthetic (alloplastic)—is carefully placed into the space created during the procedure. This graft supports new bone growth and integrates over time. Once the bone graft material is securely in place, Dr. Kohani repositions the gum tissue and sutures it closed. The area is left to heal, and the bone begins to integrate and regenerate.
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Healing and Integration Phase
Over the next several months, your body will gradually replace the bone graft material with new, living bone. This process, known as osseointegration, typically takes 4 to 9 months, depending on the amount of grafting performed and your individual healing abilities. Once the new bone has matured, dental implants can be safely and securely placed.
Testimonials
Our patients LOVE us, and you will too!
Dr. Kohani changed my smile by using his special veneering technique with minimal alteration of my own teeth. He is an absolute perfectionist and does unbelievable work. No one can tell I have veneers; they just notice my bright and shining smile.
I have gone to Dr. Kohani a few times now and have had nothing but great experiences. I was impressed with the friendly staff that is welcoming and organized. We all know these visits aren’t necessarily ones we look forward to, but Dr. Kohani makes this experience quite pleasant…
I was new to La Jolla, out looking for a dentist and I actually walked into Dr. Kohani’s office by mistake. Well, it was one of the best mistakes I made. My teeth needed a ton of work and Dr. Kohani did a beautiful job. I needed fillings, root canals and veneers. Dr. Kohani was able to do it all…
What Is Recovery Like After a Sinus Lift?
Sinus lift recovery is generally smooth, though you will likely experience some mild discomfort, swelling, or sinus pressure during the first few days. You may also notice light congestion or tenderness as the area begins to heal, which is normal and typically resolves quickly.
Because the sinus area is healing, you’ll need to avoid activities that increase sinus pressure, such as blowing your nose, sneezing forcefully, or flying on airplanes for at least a couple of weeks. Dr. Kohani often recommends using saline sprays to keep your nasal passages moist and clear.
You will visit Dr. Kohani periodically during the graft integration process so that he can monitor your healing progress and confirm that the bone graft is integrating as expected. Stitches are usually removed within 7 to 10 days, and most patients resume regular daily activities within a week. It is important to follow his aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and graft success.
Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, for a Sinus Lift?
At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, Dr. Kohani and his highly-trained and skilled team employ personalized, patient-focused care to ensure that you receive precise, effective sinus lift surgery. Utilizing over 25 years of experience, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Kohani expertly rebuilds lost bone in your upper jaw, creating a strong, stable foundation for dental implants and beautifully natural, long-lasting results.
We proudly serve patients across San Diego, Murrieta, and Temecula. Call (858) 295-0603 to schedule your personalized sinus lift consultation today.
Sinus Lift FAQs
How much does a sinus lift cost in San Diego?
The cost of a sinus lift in San Diego varies according to several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and the type of bone graft used. Dr. Kohani will provide a personalized cost estimate for a sinus lift during your consultation.
How long does a sinus lift take?
The entire sinus lift procedure usually takes between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the complexity of your case and the amount of bone grafting required.
Is a sinus lift painful?
No. A sinus lift is typically performed using local anesthesia, and we offer sedation dentistry options to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Any discomfort after your sinus lift is usually minor, resolves quickly, and is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Can I eat normally after my sinus lift?
You will need to stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days after your sinus lift, avoiding anything crunchy or hard that could irritate the delicate surgical site. You will also be instructed on how to gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater or antibacterial solution to prevent infection, as you must avoid brushing directly over the incision area.
How soon after my sinus lift can I get dental implants?
Complete bone integration after a sinus lift takes several months, during which your jawbone becomes stronger and better able to securely hold a dental implant. Once Dr. Kohani determines that healing is complete, your implant placement can proceed as planned.
Are there risks associated with a sinus lift?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with a sinus lift. However, complications are rare when performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Kohani. Potential complications after a sinus lift are uncommon but may include temporary sinus irritation, mild congestion, or slower healing in some cases. Most concerns can be prevented with proper aftercare, prescribed medications, and good oral hygiene during your recovery.
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