A sinus lift is a bone grafting procedure typically done when the bone in a patient's upper jaw is too thin to securely hold dental implants.
Typical costs:
A sinus lift typically costs $1,500 to $2,500 per side, for a total of $3,000 to $5,000 if lifts on both sides are required. For example, Cheyenne Advanced Dental Arts[1] in Nevada charges about $1,800 per side -- or $3,600 for both sides. Prosthodontist S. Robert Davidoff in Florida charges $2,450 per sinus -- or $4,900 for both sides.
Health insurance typically does not cover a sinus lift because it is considered a dental procedure.
If the surgeon is using the patient's own bone, instead of bone from a cadaver or cow or synthetic bone, the surgeon will first remove a small piece of bone from a donor site on the patient's body -- usually the tibia or a hip bone.
In the sinus lift, which usually requires sedation and local anesthesia, the surgeon typically makes an incision into the gum, lifts the floor of the sinus cavity and inserts bone fragments between the upper jaw and the lining of the maxillary sinus cavity.
Over the next several months, the bone graft will heal and adhere to the patient's own bone, and the surgeon will then be able to insert dental implants, which will be anchored in place by the new bone.
Colgate.com[2] offers an overview of a sinus lift.
Recovery requires two to three days off work, and patients will need to avoid any strenuous exercise for at least a week, and to avoid sneezing (by taking medication) or blowing their nose for two to three weeks.
Additional costs:
The surgeon might prescribe antibiotics to be taken before surgery.
After surgery, the patient will probably need to take pain medication and an antihistamine, and to use an over-the-counter nasal spray.
After several months to a year, you should be able to proceed with getting your dental implants, which typically cost $1,250 to $3,000 each.
Discounts:
Dental schools sometimes offer discounted services. The American Dental Association[3] offers a list of U.S. dental schools.
Shopping for a sinus lift:
A sinus lift typically would be done by a prosthodontist -- a specialist in restoration and replacement of missing teeth; an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; or a periodontist -- a specialist in gum disease and placement of dental implants. It is a good idea to make sure the specialist you choose is board-certified.
The American Board of Prosthodontics[4] allows searching for a board-certified prosthodontist by city and state. Or, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons[5] offers a surgeon locator, but board certification has to be verified separately. Or, the American Board of Periodontology[6] offers a list of board-certified periodontists.
Risks of a sinus lift include puncture of the sinus wall, rejection of the bone graft (if cadaver or animal bone is used), excessive bleeding, sinusitis symptoms that could become permanent, and graft migration.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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The dentist charged me $2000 per tooth on the same side. Both are adjacent teeth. Is the sinus lift is for per side or for each tooth? I felt that he overcharged me
Resulted in fisture next to entry (top molar) of augmentation surgery, leaking after 6 months (small leakage from nasal area into mouth near front teeth). Had fisture in beginning and it seemed to close up, but now I don't know what to think about it. Will it going away on its own?
Went great. Had work done at Unforgettable Smile. My regular Dr. Wahab suggested I have a periodontist dentist who just happened to be there do the procedure. I don't know his name offhand but he was great. Minimal pain (just novacaine). He was professional, gentle, and very thorough. A shout'out to the staff assisting him, especially Destiny and Irene. Ask for Rosha if you decide to use them. You won't be sorry. Say Joe rec. you.
11/13/15. No pain until 5 days after my surgery. Got some antibiotics to make sure there was no infection and the pain subsided 2 days later. Sutures dissolved 2weeks later.
I negotiated this fee down from $4500. Of course, there were all the other expenses of extraction (Bridge removed: 1 molar + cleanup of debris of dummy tooth next to it, bone graft, etc. for an additional $3,000. Thus, my bill was $6,000 for the surgery. I found out that little would be covered. I was quoted much lower prices prior to the event.
I had a very good experience with a sinus lift. After completion, I only took Ibuprohen the day of the surgery and was a little swollen. I had it done at a University Dental School, which I highly recommend for their thoroughness! I was put on antibiotics the morning of the surgery. I've had other dental work there and is typically better work than regular dentists at half the cost. The downside is they are slower but excellent work.
Most painfull experience I ever had. The Dr. was absolutly ruthless in the way he streached my lips and cheeks while I was under local anastetic and nitrous. The whole side of my face swoll up for 3 days including my eye which was black and blue swollen shut. After 4 days I am still having sinus headaches. I would never have done this If I had known what it was going to be like,
Still have congestion and some discomfort 4 months after sinus lift - small swelling over site of surgery which seems a bit inflamed - anyone have advice?.
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