Adding Bone Where the Sinus Took It Away
The maxillary sinus sits directly above your upper back teeth. When those teeth are lost, the sinus gradually expands (pneumatizes) into the space the roots once occupied, leaving a thin shell of bone between the mouth and the sinus floor — often too thin to hold an implant. A lateral window sinus lift solves this by lifting the sinus membrane upward and packing bone graft material beneath it, creating the depth of bone needed for implant placement.
The procedure is called "lateral window" because Dr. Walied Eldomiaty creates a small window in the lateral (side) wall of the maxilla. Through this window, the Schneiderian membrane — the delicate lining of the sinus — is carefully improved from the sinus floor using specialized instruments. The space created between the lifted membrane and the bone floor is then filled with bone graft material. The window is covered with a membrane, and the tissue is closed with sutures. The graft matures over six to nine months, after which implants can be placed into the augmented bone.
This is one of the most well-documented and predictable procedures in implant dentistry, with over 30 years of published clinical data. Success rates for sinus lift grafts exceed 95 percent when performed by experienced surgeons. At our Beaverton office, our team performs lateral sinus lifts under IV sedation when requested. PRF membranes are routinely used to enhance healing and reduce the risk of membrane perforation complications.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite B, in Beaverton, Or Oregon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
-
📍
Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
-
📍
Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
-
📍
Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his experience with implant procedures and predictable results.
We handle the procedures within our scope and coordinate closely with your general dentist for smooth continuity of care from start to finish.
Office hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM (Thu & Fri until 6 PM), Sat 8 AM–2 PM
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Schneiderian Membrane Elevation: The Key Step in Sinus Lift Surgery
The Schneiderian membrane is a thin (0.3 to 0.8 mm) mucous membrane lining the maxillary sinus. During a lateral window sinus lift, this membrane must be improved from the bone floor without perforation — a tear in the membrane can allow graft material to enter the sinus, potentially causing sinusitis. Specialized curettes with rounded tips are used to gently tease the membrane away from the bone, working from the window edges inward. PRF membranes placed against the Schneiderian membrane before grafting act as a biological safety net: if a small perforation occurs, the PRF seals it. Studies show that membrane perforation rates drop from 15 to 20 percent (without PRF) to 5 to 8 percent (with PRF). The grafted space fills with new bone through osteoconduction over six to nine months.
Why Choose ADSC?
Sinus lift surgery demands a light touch and intimate knowledge of the maxillary sinus anatomy. The membrane is thin and tears easily, especially where it drapes over bony septa (ridges within the sinus). Dr. Walied Eldomiaty uses CBCT imaging to identify septa before surgery and plans the window position to avoid them. His use of piezoelectric instruments — which cut bone ultrasonically without damaging soft tissue — further protects the membrane during the window creation. These technical refinements, born from extensive sinus lift experience, are what separate predictable outcomes from avoidable complications.
Your Peri-implantitis Treatment Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive peri-implantitis treatment evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Our experienced dental team discusses your peri-implantitis treatment options, timeline, and costs. We use advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols across general dentistry, endodontics, and pediatric care.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for best healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our team at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM (until 6 PM Thursday and Friday), Saturday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
What I Tell My Implant Patients
“In my experience placing many dental implants, I’ve found that the patients who do best are the ones who understand what they’re getting into. It’s not a painful procedure — most people tell me it was easier than the extraction. But it is a process. You’re looking at 3-6 months from implant placement to final crown, sometimes longer if we need to build bone first.
I won’t sugarcoat it: not every patient is a candidate right away. If you’ve had teeth missing for years, you’ve likely lost bone. That doesn’t mean you can’t get implants — it means we may need a bone graft or sinus lift first. I’d rather take the time to build a solid foundation than rush and risk failure.
The materials matter too. We use Nobel Biocare and Straumann titanium implants — these are the systems with the best long-term research behind them. For the crown, I typically recommend zirconia or e.max porcelain depending on the location in your mouth. Front teeth get a different material consideration than molars.
If you’re comparing costs, a single implant at our Beaverton office runs $3,500-$5,500 including the crown. That’s competitive for the Portland metro area, and we offer CareCredit 0% financing. Most PPO dental insurance plans now cover a portion of implant costs — our team will verify your benefits before we start.”
— Aloha Dental Specialty Center
Many patients tell me they’ve been putting off peri-implantitis treatment because they’re unsure what to expect. That’s completely understandable — and you’re not alone.
Are You a Candidate for Peri-implantitis Treatment?
Most patients in good general health are candidates for peri-implantitis treatment. However, certain factors may affect your eligibility or require modifications to the treatment plan:
- Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or blood-thinning medications may require coordination with your physician before treatment.
- Bone quality: For peri-implantitis treatment involving the jawbone, adequate bone density is essential. A CBCT 3D scan during your consultation determines this precisely.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly impairs healing. We strongly recommend quitting 2-4 weeks before and after any surgical procedure.
- Age: There is generally no upper age limit. What matters is your overall health, not your age. We have successfully treated patients in their 80s and 90s.
The only way to know for certain is a consultation with our team with a board-certified endodontist. Call (503) 822-0096 to schedule your evaluation — we’ll tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for your situation.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Reviewed by Dr. Walied Eldomiaty, DDS, Periodontist — March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw by lifting the sinus membrane upward and placing bone graft material beneath it. A small window is made in the side wall of the maxilla to access the sinus membrane. The added bone creates sufficient depth for dental implant placement in the posterior upper jaw.
The maxillary sinus expands after upper molar loss, leaving insufficient bone between the mouth and the sinus floor. Standard implants need 8 to 10 mm of bone height. Many posterior upper jaw sites have only 2 to 5 mm after sinus expansion. A sinus lift adds the missing bone volume to support implant placement.
About 45 to 90 minutes per side, depending on the anatomy and whether one or both sinuses are being treated. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with optional IV sedation. Most patients are comfortable throughout.
The procedure itself is painless under anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is moderate — comparable to a tooth extraction. Most patients manage with ibuprofen and occasionally a short course of prescription pain medication. Congestion and mild sinus pressure are common for one to two weeks after surgery.
Typically six to nine months. The graft material needs sufficient time to vascularize and mature into dense bone capable of holding an implant. A CBCT scan at six months confirms the bone density. If existing bone height is 4 to 5 mm, simultaneous sinus lift and implant placement may be possible.
If the existing bone height beneath the sinus is at least 4 to 5 mm — enough to achieve primary implant stability — implants can be placed simultaneously with the sinus lift. This saves months of healing time. If less than 4 mm of bone exists, implants are placed in a second procedure after the graft matures.
Greater than 95 percent when performed by experienced surgeons. Implant survival rates in sinus-grafted bone are comparable to implants placed in native bone — above 96 percent. The procedure has over three decades of published clinical data supporting its predictability.
A combination of xenograft (bovine bone mineral) and allograft (human donor bone) is most commonly used. Some surgeons add autogenous bone from the patient. The choice depends on the volume needed and healing goals. Xenograft provides excellent long-term volume maintenance in the sinus.
The main risk is Schneiderian membrane perforation (10 to 20 percent of cases), which can usually be repaired during surgery with a collagen or PRF membrane. Other risks include post-operative sinusitis, graft infection, and incomplete bone fill. Dr. Walied Eldomiaty uses PRF and piezoelectric instruments to minimize these risks.
Temporarily, you may experience mild congestion and sinus pressure for one to two weeks as the membrane heals. Long-term sinus function is not affected. The space occupied by the graft is at the very bottom of the sinus and does not interfere with normal sinus drainage or airflow.
A lateral window sinus lift typically costs $2,500 to $5,000 per side, depending on the graft material and membrane used. This cost is in addition to the implant placement fee. If both sides need treatment, costs are approximately doubled. We include sinus lift costs in your comprehensive treatment plan.
Do not blow your nose for two weeks — sneeze with your mouth open. Avoid straws, scuba diving, and flying for one to two weeks. Do not smoke. Avoid strenuous exercise for five to seven days. These precautions prevent pressure changes in the sinus that could dislodge the graft or tear the healing membrane.
Small perforations (under 5 mm) are repaired with a collagen or PRF membrane and the graft proceeds normally. Larger tears may require aborting the graft and allowing the membrane to heal before reattempting. Dr. Walied Eldomiaty's use of piezoelectric instruments and PRF membranes significantly reduces perforation risk and severity.
Yes. Bilateral sinus lifts are commonly performed in a single surgery when both sides need augmentation. The procedure takes longer (about 90 minutes to two hours total), but combining both sides avoids a second surgery and recovery period.
A lateral sinus lift approaches the sinus through a window in the side wall of the maxilla and can add large volumes of bone (6 to 10 mm of height). A crestal sinus lift approaches from the implant osteotomy site and adds smaller amounts (2 to 4 mm). Lateral lifts are used for greater bone deficits; crestal lifts for lesser ones.