Sinus lift surgery, also called sinus augmentation or sinus floor elevation, is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the region of the molars and premolars to create enough height for dental implants. It is performed when the natural bone beneath the sinus is too thin or the sinus sits too low to anchor an implant securely. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, Dr. Ilse Lugo plans and performs each sinus lift herself, using 3D imaging and two decades of surgical experience to prepare the upper jaw for stable, lasting implants.
What is Sinus Lift Surgery?
A sinus lift gently raises the membrane lining the maxillary sinus and places bone graft material in the space created, building up the floor of the sinus so it can support an implant. The maxillary sinuses sit directly above the upper back teeth, and when those teeth have been missing for a while, the bone there tends to thin out.
This surgery is commonly needed because of bone loss from long-missing teeth, bone deterioration caused by periodontal disease, naturally low-lying sinuses, or age-related bone resorption. In each case, the goal is the same: enough healthy bone in the right place to hold an implant.
The Sinus Lift Surgery procedure: what to expect
Planning starts with a 3D cone beam CT scan, a dental history review, and a bone density assessment so Dr. Lugo can design a customized approach and select the right graft material. On the day of surgery, the area is anesthetized and sterilized, then a small incision in the gum exposes the jawbone and a small window is opened in it. The sinus membrane is carefully lifted to create space, the bone graft material is positioned and secured, and the site is sutured closed with a protective dressing. You leave with clear post-operative instructions for the healing months ahead.
Benefits of Sinus Lift Surgery
- Implant eligibility: builds the bone height needed so implants can be placed where they were not previously possible.
- Restored structure: rebuilds proper jaw structure in the upper back region.
- Better function: a stable foundation supports improved chewing and everyday oral function.
- Facial aesthetics: restoring bone volume helps maintain natural facial contours.
- Lasting results: quality graft materials and careful technique support long-lasting, natural-feeling results.
Am I a candidate for Sinus Lift Surgery?
You may be a good candidate if you want implants in the upper back jaw but lack sufficient bone height, whether from teeth missing for many years, periodontal bone loss, naturally low sinuses, or age-related resorption. At your free consultation, Dr. Lugo measures your bone density on a 3D scan and reviews your dental history to confirm whether a sinus lift is the right step toward implants.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery is gradual because bone needs time to integrate. In the first days, applying ice, keeping your head elevated, taking medication as directed, and modifying your diet help control swelling and support early healing. Soft tissue heals over the initial weeks, and sutures are removed once the gum has closed. Full integration of the grafted bone takes several months before implants are placed. Dr. Lugo schedules follow-up visits throughout to monitor your progress and confirm the graft is maturing as planned.
How much does Sinus Lift Surgery cost in Tijuana?
A sinus lift at Periovital Clinic costs significantly less than the equivalent procedure in the US, with most patients saving roughly 50 to 70%. At your free initial consultation, which includes a 3D CBCT scan, you receive a clear itemized written quote covering the surgery and graft material, so there are no surprises and no upsell. Itemized receipts are provided for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Why choose Periovital for Sinus Lift Surgery?
Sinus surgery rewards precision, and Dr. Ilse Lugo is a board-trained periodontist and full-arch implant specialist who personally plans and performs every case using 3D cone beam imaging and digital surgical planning. Our in-house dental lab keeps your implant restoration coordinated under one roof, while a free shuttle from San Diego and a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator make the cross-border visit easy. Minutes from the border in Tijuana, Periovital combines specialist expertise with clear communication and well below US pricing.