Sinus lift surgery, also called sinus augmentation, is a specialized bone grafting procedure that increases bone volume in the upper jaw when there is insufficient bone height for dental implant placement, particularly in the premolar and molar regions. This advanced surgical technique carefully elevates the sinus membrane and places bone grafting material in the created space, effectively creating new bone in an area that was previously occupied by the maxillary sinus.
At Alta Dental Group, our approach to sinus lift procedures combines precise surgical technique with comprehensive pre-operative planning to ensure predictable, successful outcomes. Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Victor Perez, performs these specialized procedures using advanced imaging and surgical principles to minimize risks while maximizing bone regeneration. What sets our practice apart is our unique ability to offer multiple levels of sedation and anesthesia administered by our board-certified dental anesthesiologist, Dr. Marco Savittieri, ensuring optimal comfort during these more complex procedures.
Sinus lifts become necessary when patients have lost bone height in the upper jaw due to factors such as long-term tooth loss, periodontal disease, or naturally large sinus cavities. The procedure creates sufficient bone volume for successful implant placement, allowing patients who were previously not candidates for upper jaw implants to enjoy the benefits of permanent tooth replacement. With proper technique and healing time, sinus lift procedures have a high success rate and create a solid foundation for long-term implant success.
At Alta Dental Group, sinus lift procedures are performed by Dr. Victor Perez, our board-certified periodontist specialist with extensive training in advanced bone grafting techniques. His specialized periodontal residency at Boston University following his education at USC School of Dentistry has equipped him with exceptional expertise in sinus augmentation procedures, with particular focus on membrane preservation techniques and optimal graft selection. Dr. Perez brings precise surgical skills and comprehensive understanding of maxillofacial anatomy to every procedure, ensuring predictable and safe sinus augmentation even in challenging cases.
Our sinus lift services are further enhanced by the involvement of Dr. Rashad Altawaty, whose expertise in implant dentistry as an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry provides valuable perspective for comprehensive treatment planning that considers both the grafting procedure and eventual implant placement. This collaborative approach ensures your sinus lift is precisely tailored to create the ideal foundation for your specific implant needs.
What truly distinguishes our sinus lift procedures is the integration of Dr. Marco Savittieri, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist. His specialized training allows us to offer advanced sedation options that ensure complete comfort during these more extensive surgical procedures—a significant advantage for patients with anxiety about more involved dental surgery. From nitrous oxide to IV sedation or general anesthesia, his expertise allows customized comfort management tailored to your specific needs and procedure complexity.
Our surgical assistants complete this exceptional team, bringing specialized experience in bone grafting procedures and post-operative care to ensure smooth procedures and optimal healing. This collaborative approach with multiple specialists working together creates a seamless experience for patients requiring sinus augmentation, with all aspects of care coordinated under one roof.
Your sinus lift journey at Alta Dental Group begins with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation. During this initial visit, Dr. Perez conducts a thorough examination and utilizes advanced 3D cone beam imaging to assess your sinus anatomy, existing bone dimensions, and optimal approach for augmentation. This detailed visualization allows precise measurement of available bone height, width, and density, identification of any anatomical variations that may affect the procedure, and development of a customized surgical plan. We discuss our findings with you, explaining the recommended approach, expected bone gain, and timeline for eventual implant placement in clear, understandable terms.
Pre-surgical planning involves detailed analysis of your 3D images and creation of surgical guides when beneficial. For patients requiring sedation, Dr. Savittieri develops a customized comfort management strategy based on procedure complexity and your anxiety level. We carefully select the optimal grafting materials for your specific case—whether autografts (your own bone), allografts (processed donor bone), xenografts (animal-derived), synthetic materials, or combinations enhanced with PRF—based on your individual healing capacity and desired timeline. This comprehensive planning ensures efficient, predictable surgical execution with minimal risk of complications.
The sinus lift procedure is performed with meticulous attention to detail and patient comfort. After ensuring complete anesthesia, Dr. Perez carefully accesses the sinus area using either the lateral or crestal approach as planned. The sinus membrane is gently elevated using specialized instruments designed to minimize the risk of perforation. Once adequate space is created, the selected grafting material is precisely placed and, if applicable, implants are positioned according to the pre-surgical plan. The surgical site is then secured with fine sutures designed to promote optimal healing and graft stability.
Post-operative care includes detailed instructions to protect the grafted area, appropriate medications for comfort and infection prevention, and specific guidelines to prevent actions that could create pressure within the sinus. These typically include avoiding nose blowing, sneezing with an open mouth, and using straws for the initial healing period. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress, with new 3D imaging typically obtained at 6-9 months to evaluate bone formation before proceeding with implant placement (or restoration of simultaneously placed implants).
Throughout this process, our team remains available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible from initial consultation through complete healing and successful implant placement.
Sinus lift surgery represents an advanced solution for patients who previously could not receive dental implants in the upper posterior region due to insufficient bone height. At Alta Dental Group in Irvine, our specialized team brings together exceptional surgical expertise, advanced regenerative techniques, and comprehensive patient care to deliver sinus augmentation results that create the optimal foundation for successful implant placement.
Our integrated approach—with a board-certified periodontist, implant specialists, and anesthesiology experts working together under one roof—creates a seamless experience from initial evaluation through grafting, implant placement, and final restoration. The combination of advanced imaging technology, sophisticated grafting materials, and our team’s specialized training ensures predictable, successful outcomes even in challenging cases.
If you’ve been told you lack adequate bone for upper jaw implants, we invite you to discover how our customized sinus lift solutions can expand your options for dental restoration. Contact Alta Dental Group today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Perez and take the first step toward comprehensive dental renewal.
Address
2500 Alton Parkway Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92606, US
Business Hours
Monday - Sunday Appointments only
At Alta Dental Group, we honor the trust you place in us by overseeing every step of your dental implant journey within our advanced facility. From the initial consultation and surgical placement to the final restoration and fabrication, our dedicated surgical and prosthetic team is with you every step of the way.
Irvine, CA Office
2500 Alton Parkway Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92606, US 1-949-561-1449
Chula Vista, CA Office
1415 Ridgeback Road #24, Chula Vista, CA 91910 1-619-216-2807
