by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreIf you’re missing back teeth in the upper jaw, you may have heard that a sinus lift is the only way to qualify for implants. That blanket statement (and many others you’ll see online) is misleading. A sinus lift—technically called sinus augmentation—is a proven, routine procedure that gently raises the sinus floor and adds bone so implants can be placed securely. Below, Dr. Rana Baroudi separates myth from fact and explains when a sinus lift is the smart, predictable choice—and when other options might fit better.
Fact: Comfort and safety are top priorities. With local anesthesia and optional sedation, most patients report pressure rather than pain. Dr. Baroudi uses careful planning, sterile technique, and a delicate approach to protect the sinus membrane. Post-op soreness is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter medication. In the right hands, a sinus lift is a routine enhancement that supports long-term success with dental implants.
Fact: The back upper jaw naturally has less bone height after tooth loss because the sinus slowly expands into the empty space. Even moderate resorption can make standard-length implants unstable. A conservative sinus augmentation replenishes bone precisely where it’s needed so your implants can integrate firmly and function like natural teeth.
Fact: Most people return to normal routines in a day or two. You’ll receive clear after-care instructions (like avoiding nose blowing for a short time) and a follow-up schedule. Any puffiness peaks early and resolves steadily. The bone itself matures quietly beneath the surface; you feel better long before the graft has fully integrated.
Fact: The goal is to create a stable, well-vascularized foundation for an implant that can last for many years. With good home care and regular checkups, results are durable. If a site needs additional support because of the shape of the jawbone, Dr. Baroudi may pair the lift with targeted bone grafting to optimize volume and density.
Fact: Timing is personalized. When bone quality and stability allow, Dr. Baroudi can place the implant at the same appointment as your sinus augmentation. In other cases, a brief healing period ensures the best long-term outcome. The right choice is the one that supports predictable integration and fewer complications.
Fact: Not always. Alternatives may include site development at the time of extraction with ridge preservation to maintain bone, or structural reinforcement with block grafting when a localized defect needs more volume than particulate grafts can provide. For certain full-arch cases, strategically placed implants can support implant-supported dentures or streamlined All-on-4 implants. Dr. Baroudi will review pros and cons for your specific anatomy and goals.
Fact: Many patients with controlled allergies or a history of sinus congestion do very well. If needed, Dr. Baroudi coordinates with your physician to ensure the sinus is healthy before treatment. Good planning—starting with a detailed periodontal exam and 3D imaging—helps prevent problems and tailors the approach to you.
Fact: A sinus lift is fundamentally functional—it restores the bone needed to anchor an implant so you can chew confidently and protect facial structure. Replacing missing teeth in the upper molar region also helps distribute biting forces, reducing stress on remaining teeth and improving overall oral health.
After numbing the area, Dr. Baroudi makes a small window in the side of the upper jaw, gently elevates the sinus membrane, and places a carefully selected graft material beneath it. The space fills with new bone as you heal, creating a solid foundation for a future (or immediate) implant. When the situation calls for it, targeted bone grafting is added to refine the site. You’ll leave with simple instructions, a short list of things to avoid temporarily, and a clear timeline for implant placement.
Not necessarily. Many patients only need a straightforward sinus augmentation. Others benefit from adjunctive steps—like ridge preservation at the time of extraction to prevent future bone loss, or block grafting when the jaw requires structural support. If you’re replacing multiple teeth or an entire arch, Dr. Baroudi will also discuss options ranging from individual implants to implant-supported dentures or All-on-4 implants.
Most patients experience a smooth recovery, stable bone volume, and high confidence moving forward with dental implants. The long-term success of your restoration also depends on daily habits—excellent oral hygiene, professional maintenance, and healthy lifestyle choices that support gum and bone health.
Great outcomes begin with great planning. At your comprehensive periodontal exam, Dr. Baroudi will evaluate your health history, measure bone levels, review imaging, and map out a step-by-step plan. If a sinus lift is the best way to rebuild support, you’ll understand why—and if another approach is preferable, you’ll see that roadmap as well. Either way, the goal is the same: a strong, comfortable bite and a confident smile built on a foundation that lasts.
Bottom line: Don’t let myths keep you from the treatment that can restore your upper molars predictably. Whether you need a precise sinus augmentation before an implant, site development like ridge preservation, structural block grafting, or a comprehensive solution with implant-supported dentures or All-on-4 implants, Dr. Rana Baroudi will help you separate fact from fiction—and choose the path that fits your goals, timeline, and comfort.
