As with any surgery or procedure, there are some risks associated with sinus lift surgery. The main risk is puncturing or tearing a sinus membrane. Not to worry! If this happens, the surgeon will either stitch the sinus tear or place a patch over it. If the repair to the sinus membrane is more complicated, your surgeon might stop the procedure and give you some time to heal before trying again.
Infection is also a risk, as with any surgical procedure. However, infections from a sinus lift are uncommon.
In rare cases, the existing bone does not integrate with the bone graft material, which means that the grafted area cannot develop a blood supply. If this happens, you might have to have the sinus lift procedure again.
There is also the possibility of acute maxillary sinusitis after a sinus lift, which presents as temporary inflammation of the membranes in your nose and sinuses. This condition makes it hard to drain mucus from your nose. Research shows that caution taken throughout the procedure helps to keep the sinuses open.