What is a sinus lift? Is it a very painful surgery?

A sinus lift is a procedure used when the bone height in the upper molar area is insufficient: the membrane of the empty space beside the nose (the maxillary sinus) is lifted and bone graft material is placed there so that an implant can be positioned. It is performed under local anesthesia, so there is almost no pain during the procedure, and swelling and bruising typically peak on day 2 or 3 and settle within about a week. If a reasonable amount of bone height remains, it is sometimes done at the same time as implant placement. For 2 to 3 days after surgery you may notice blood-tinged fluid from the nose. Once the anesthesia wears off there can be mild pain, but it is usually controlled with painkillers. However, if a nosebleed does not stop, or pain and swelling last more than a week or get worse, please come in to have it checked.