The practice formerly known as Distinctive Dental Care of Bloomingdale is now Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale — under new ownership by Dr. Husna Khan, DDS, at the same Bloomingdale location.

Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale

Oral Surgery

Sinus lift in Bloomingdale, IL

Not enough bone in the upper jaw to support an implant? A sinus lift builds that foundation — safely, precisely, and with a clear plan for the implant that follows.

Dr. Husna Khan evaluates bone height and sinus anatomy with CBCT imaging at your consultation and tells you exactly which approach your case requires, how long healing takes, and what the total treatment path looks like.

Last updated: April 2026 · For patient education and treatment planning · Surgical outcomes vary by anatomy and health history
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Sinus lift consultation at Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale — Dr. Husna Khan reviews CBCT imaging to plan sinus augmentation for dental implant placement

When a sinus lift is needed

  • Upper back molars lost — bone resorbs and sinus expands downward over time
  • Naturally low sinus floor anatomy — some patients have insufficient height even with no tooth loss
  • CBCT scan confirms <8–10 mm vertical bone height in the posterior maxilla
  • Implant placement would otherwise violate the sinus cavity

What the procedure does

  • The sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) is gently lifted upward
  • Bone graft material is packed into the space created beneath the membrane
  • New bone integrates over 4–9 months, creating the height needed for an implant
  • Implant is placed once imaging confirms integration

Lateral window vs. crestal sinus lift

Two evidence-based approaches — the right one depends on how much bone you have and how much needs to be added. Dr. Khan determines this from your CBCT scan at the first visit.

Factor Crestal (internal) sinus liftLateral window sinus lift
ADA code D7310D7311
Bone available < 4–5 mm available< 4 mm available
Bone added 1–4 mm added5+ mm added
Surgical access Through the implant site — no separate incisionSmall access window in the lateral jaw wall
Time to implant 4–6 months to implant6–9 months to implant
Best for Minor augmentation needed; sufficient base bone to stabilize implant during healingSignificant augmentation needed; insufficient base bone for simultaneous implant
BEFORE — insufficient height maxillary sinus cavity thin bone — only 4 mm implant enters sinus ✗ AFTER — sinus lift + graft sinus cavity — membrane raised bone graft material native bone implant placed safely ✓

Bone graft material fills the space beneath the elevated sinus membrane — over 4–9 months, new bone forms for the implant to anchor into.

What to expect after a sinus lift

The most important post-op rule: do not blow your nose for at least 2–3 weeks. Increased sinus pressure is the most common cause of membrane disruption.

Days 1–3

Acute phase

Swelling, congestion, and mild facial pressure. Ice packs, prescribed pain relief, and rest. Soft foods only.

Days 4–7

Early healing

Swelling subsides. Congestion continues. No blowing nose, no straws, no smoking. Return to light daily activity.

Weeks 2–4

Settling

Congestion resolves for most patients. Sutures removed at 1–2 weeks. Continue soft foods near the site.

Months 4–9

Integration

New bone matures. CBCT confirms readiness. Implant placement scheduled once integration is confirmed by Dr. Khan.

After a sinus lift — do

  • ✓Sneeze with mouth open (releases pressure safely)
  • ✓Take prescribed antibiotics and rinse as directed
  • ✓Eat soft foods — eggs, yogurt, pasta, soft vegetables
  • ✓Sleep with head slightly elevated for the first few nights
  • ✓Call Serenity Dental if you notice unusual swelling or discharge

After a sinus lift — avoid

  • ✗Blowing your nose — for 2 to 3 weeks minimum
  • ✗Drinking through a straw — negative pressure disrupts healing
  • ✗Smoking or vaping — significantly impairs graft integration
  • ✗Strenuous exercise for at least 1 week
  • ✗Flying or altitude changes in the first 2 weeks

Sinus lift cost and insurance

Cost varies by approach and graft volume. We verify your dental and medical benefits before treatment — some cases qualify for medical coverage.

Procedure ADA code Typical cost range Insurance notes
Crestal sinus lift D7310 varies / side Some PPO coverage; varies by plan
Lateral window sinus lift D7311 varies / side PPO major restorative; medical ins sometimes applies
Bone graft material (added at same visit) D7953 varies per unit Often bundled with the sinus lift claim

Cost ranges reflect national averages. Serenity Dental provides a clear written estimate before any treatment begins. Call (630) 359-0105 with your insurance card for same-day benefit verification.

Sinus lifts at Serenity Dental

Dr. Husna Khan performs sinus lift surgery at Serenity Dental in Bloomingdale. Every case starts with a CBCT scan — the imaging that makes it possible to measure bone height precisely, visualize the sinus floor, and choose the right approach before any surgery begins.

Patients come to us from Bloomingdale, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Addison, and Schaumburg. If you've been told elsewhere that you don't have enough bone for an implant, a sinus lift evaluation is the right next step.

Book a Sinus Lift Consultation Call (630) 359-0105

Serenity Dental of Bloomingdale · 1 Tiffany Pt, Suite 205, Bloomingdale, IL 60108

CBCT

3D imaging guides every plan

2

Approaches — crestal and lateral

D7310 D7311

ADA billing codes on file

4–9 mo

Typical healing before implant

Quick facts

Treatment time60 to 90 minutes
AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia; oral or IV sedation typical
Recovery1 to 2 weeks of swelling; 4 to 9 months before implant placement
TechniquesLateral window or crestal osteotome approach
Typical costVaries
Why it's doneAdds bone height in upper back jaw for implant placement

Clinical references

We rely on guidance from established clinical organizations. The references below inform how we explain options, expected outcomes, and aftercare on this page.

For patient education only. Treatment recommendations depend on individual diagnosis. Reviewed by Dr. Husna Khan, DDS.

Sinus lift — questions answered

What is a sinus lift and why would I need one?
A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the back molars, between your jaw and your maxillary sinuses. It is needed when there is not enough vertical bone height in that area to safely place a dental implant without the implant post penetrating the sinus cavity. Bone loss after tooth loss, natural sinus anatomy, or both can create this situation. Dr. Khan evaluates bone height and sinus proximity with a CBCT scan at your consultation and tells you honestly whether a sinus lift is required.
How painful is a sinus lift procedure?
Most patients say recovery is more manageable than they expected. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia — you will not feel it during. Afterward, congestion, mild swelling, and some facial pressure are normal for the first week. Most patients take a few days off work and return to normal activity by day 3 to 5. Dr. Khan provides written aftercare instructions and is reachable if anything feels off during healing.
What is the difference between a lateral window and a crestal sinus lift?
A lateral window sinus lift (external approach) accesses the sinus through a small opening made in the side of the jaw. It is used when significant bone volume needs to be added — typically when the existing bone height is less than 4 to 5 mm. A crestal sinus lift (internal or osteotome approach) is performed through the implant site itself, nudging the sinus floor upward with specialized instruments. It is used when only 1 to 4 mm of additional height is needed. Dr. Khan determines which approach is appropriate based on your CBCT imaging.
How long does a sinus lift take to heal?
Healing takes 4 to 9 months before an implant can be placed, depending on the amount of bone added and the approach used. Crestal sinus lifts with minimal augmentation may be ready for implant placement at 4 to 6 months; lateral window lifts requiring larger bone volumes often need 6 to 9 months. Dr. Khan won't schedule implant placement until imaging confirms the new bone has integrated.
Can a sinus lift and implant be done at the same time?
Yes, in some cases. Simultaneous placement is possible when there is at least 4 to 5 mm of existing bone to stabilize the implant during the graft healing period. When bone height is lower than that, staged treatment is safer — sinus lift first, implant after the site has healed and integrated. Dr. Khan determines which approach is appropriate at consultation based on your imaging.
How much does a sinus lift cost in Bloomingdale, IL?
Sinus lift cost typically ranges from varies per side for a crestal approach and varies or more for a lateral window lift. The difference reflects surgical complexity and the amount of graft material required. Some dental plans with major restorative benefits cover part of the cost when the procedure is medically necessary for implant placement. Certain medical insurance plans may also cover sinus-related surgery. We verify your benefits before treatment begins.
What are the long-term side effects of a sinus lift?
Long-term complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced provider following proper protocols. The most significant risk is sinus membrane perforation during surgery, which Dr. Khan is trained to manage. When it occurs and is repaired at the time of surgery, outcomes are generally still good. Long-term sinusitis specifically caused by the graft is rare. Most patients who undergo a sinus lift and subsequent implant placement experience no ongoing sinus-related problems.
Do I need a bone graft along with a sinus lift?
A sinus lift is itself a bone graft — it places bone graft material into the space created between the jaw and the elevated sinus floor. In some cases, additional grafting to the ridge (a separate procedure) may also be needed if the jaw has lost width in addition to height. Dr. Khan evaluates all dimensions of the bone at consultation and tells you exactly which procedures your case requires.
What graft material is used in a sinus lift?
Most sinus lifts at Serenity Dental use processed donor bone (allograft) or a combination of allograft and synthetic bone substitute — materials with a strong clinical track record. In some cases a patient's own bone may be used. Dr. Khan explains the recommended material and rationale at your consultation. The ADA and AAOMS recognize multiple graft materials as appropriate for sinus augmentation.
What should I avoid after a sinus lift?
Do not blow your nose for at least 2 to 3 weeks — the increase in sinus pressure is the most common cause of membrane disruption after surgery. Avoid sneezing with your mouth closed, avoid drinking through straws, avoid smoking entirely, and avoid blowing air through your nose. Dr. Khan provides a full written aftercare list at your appointment with specific guidance for your case.
What kind of anesthesia is used for a sinus lift?
Most sinus lifts at Serenity Dental are performed under local anesthesia, often combined with oral sedation for patient comfort. IV sedation is available for anxious patients or larger lateral window cases. General anesthesia is rarely needed for a single-quadrant sinus lift and is typically reserved for complex full-arch reconstructions performed in a hospital setting. Dr. Khan discusses the right level of sedation at your consultation based on the case complexity and your comfort level.
Can a general dentist do a sinus lift, or do I need a specialist?
A sinus lift can be performed by a general dentist with advanced surgical training in implant dentistry, by a periodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The right answer depends on the dentist's training and case experience, not the title alone. Dr. Husna Khan has surgical training in sinus augmentation and performs both crestal and lateral window techniques in our Bloomingdale office. Complex revision cases or severely compromised anatomy may be referred to a specialist when the situation warrants.
Should I get a sinus lift or a short implant instead?
Short implants (6 to 8 mm) are an alternative to sinus lift in some cases — when there is at least 5 to 6 mm of native bone and the bite forces are moderate. A 2023 systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found short implants and standard implants placed after sinus lift have comparable 5-year survival rates in selected cases. Sinus lift remains the better choice when bone height is below 4 mm, when long-term load-bearing implants are needed, or when adjacent teeth need similar treatment. Dr. Khan reviews both pathways at your CBCT consultation.
Is it worth getting a second opinion before a sinus lift?
Yes — a second opinion is reasonable for any significant surgical procedure, and we encourage patients to feel certain about their treatment plan. Bring your CBCT scan and treatment plan to a second consultation; an experienced dentist or oral surgeon should arrive at a similar plan if the imaging is clear. Discrepancies usually relate to staged vs simultaneous implant placement or graft material choice rather than whether a sinus lift is needed. Dr. Khan welcomes patients who want to compare opinions before committing to treatment.

Educational content only. Recommendations are personalized after an exam and any needed imaging.

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