Your Guide to Sinus Lift Surgery
Find out what sinus lift surgery is, why some implants in the upper jaw need it, what happens on the day, and what your recovery involves.
Urgent help: who to contact
Call 999 or go to A&E now if you find it hard to breathe, swallow or speak, or if swelling spreads to your neck, under your tongue or around your eye.
Contact your dental team straight away if you have other urgent problems after a sinus lift. These include a lot of bleeding from your nose, swelling that is getting worse, or a high temperature (fever). If you cannot reach them, call NHS 111.
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift is an operation to add bone to the upper jaw, near the upper back teeth. It is also called sinus augmentation or sinus floor elevation.
It is needed when there is not enough height of bone there to place a dental implant safely.
The sinuses in your cheeks (maxillary sinuses) are spaces filled with air in the bones of your face. They sit just above your upper back teeth. When upper back teeth are lost, the sinus can grow down into the space where the roots were. This can leave very little bone between the floor of the sinus and the top of the gum.
Why might I need a sinus lift?
You may need a sinus lift when:
- You have lost one or more upper back teeth (premolars or molars)
- The bone under the sinus is too shallow to hold an implant safely. This is usually when there is less than 8–10mm of bone height.
- The sinus has grown bigger (pneumatised) since you lost the tooth. This leaves even less bone.
What happens during a sinus lift?
Sinus lift surgery is done with a numbing injection (local anaesthetic). Often you will also have sedation to help you relax:
- A cut is made in the gum to show the bone of the upper jaw.
- A small window is carefully made in the bone wall of the sinus.
- The lining of the sinus (membrane) is gently lifted up. This makes a space.
- Bone graft material is packed into the space under the lifted lining.
- The cut is stitched closed.
Sometimes, implants can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift. In other cases, you heal for 4–9 months before the implants go in. Your surgeon will advise which is right for you, based on how much bone you have.
Risks and possible complications
Common:
- Swelling and bruising around the cheek and eye for 7–14 days
- Blood-stained fluid from your nose for a few days
- A blocked nose. Do not blow your nose hard for 2–4 weeks. This can move the graft.
Uncommon:
- A tear in the sinus lining (perforation). The lining may tear during the operation. Small tears can usually be repaired during surgery. A large tear may mean the operation is stopped and done another day.
- Infection of the sinus (sinusitis) after surgery. This needs antibiotics.
- The graft fails, or some of it breaks down (partial resorption)
Rare:
- Long-lasting sinus infection (chronic sinusitis) that needs a specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT) team
If you already have sinus problems (such as chronic sinusitis), the risk of problems is much higher. Your surgeon will check your sinuses before advising a sinus lift.
After your sinus lift
- Do not blow your nose for at least 2–4 weeks.
- Sneeze with your mouth open.
- Do not fly for at least 4 weeks. Changes in air pressure can affect healing.
- Sleep with your head raised for the first few days. This helps with swelling.
- Take all your prescribed medicines as you have been told.
- Eat soft foods on the side away from the surgery.
- Do not smoke. This is very important for healing after a sinus lift.
- Go to all follow-up visits. Your surgeon needs to check healing before your implant can be planned.
Questions to ask your dental team
- How much bone do I have now, and how much needs to be added?
- Can the implant go in at the same time as the sinus lift? Or will I need two separate operations?
- How long will the whole treatment take, from sinus lift to final crown?
- Are my sinuses healthy enough for this?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dental team about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dental team will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
Sources
- Crowns, Fixed Bridges and Dental Implants: Guidelines. British Society for Restorative Dentistry, 2013.
- Dental implants. Oral Health Foundation.
Links checked 18 October 2026.
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