Sinus lift
A typical case, in 6 steps over 2 visits. Typically back to normal in 2 to 3 weeks; the bone typically needs 4 to 9 months before an implant. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Sinus lift · Visit 1
Numbing
The surgery is normally done under local anesthetic, sometimes with sedation, as an outpatient.
Source: cuh.nhs.uk
Steps in a typical case
Numbing
The surgery is normally done under local anesthetic, sometimes with sedation, as an outpatient.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Opening the gum
A cut is made in the gum where the back teeth used to be.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Lifting the sinus lining
The thin lining of the sinus is gently raised, either through a small window on the cheek side of the bone or by tapping up through the implant site.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Adding bone
Bone graft material is packed into the space under the sinus, sometimes covered with a membrane patch. When enough bone is already there, the implant is placed at the same time.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Stitches
The gum is closed with dissolvable stitches; they are checked or removed about a week later.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Healing before the implant
The new bone meshes with the jaw over 4 to 9 months before the implant is placed.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically the surgery, a check about a week later, then reviews until the implant is placed. Source 1 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically back to normal in 2 to 3 weeks; the bone typically needs 4 to 9 months before an implant. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically a step toward an implant; it is 6 to 12 months or longer from the sinus lift to the new tooth. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep while healing: no nose blowing for 2 weeks, steam inhalations, and any prescribed medicines. Source 1 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D7951, D7952).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Sinus lift procedures. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS. www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/sinus-lift-procedures. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D7951, D7952.