Sinus Lift Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide for Dental Implants

Last updated on February 12th, 2025

If you’ve been told you need a sinus lift before getting dental implants in your upper jaw, you might have questions and perhaps some anxieties. The term “surgery” can sound intimidating, but it’s important to understand that sinus lift surgery is a routine and predictable procedure performed by experienced dental professionals to create a solid foundation for dental implants.

This comprehensive guide will explain what sinus lift surgery is, why it might be necessary for your dental implant journey, how it’s performed, what to expect during recovery and the benefits it offers. We aim to address your concerns and empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your oral health.

What is Sinus Lift Surgery, and Why is it Needed for Dental Implants?

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation, is a bone grafting procedure performed in the upper jaw, specifically in the area of the maxillary sinuses. These sinuses are air-filled spaces located above your upper back teeth (molars and premolars).

Why is a sinus lift needed for dental implants?

• Insufficient Bone Height: Dental implants require sufficient bone volume in the jawbone for stable and long-lasting support. In the upper back jaw, the maxillary sinuses are located above the roots of the teeth. After upper tooth loss, the sinus floor can expand downwards, encroaching into the space previously occupied by tooth roots. Additionally, some individuals naturally have sinuses that are positioned lower in the upper jaw.
• Bone Resorption: When teeth are lost, the surrounding bone can naturally resorb or shrink over time. This bone loss can further reduce the available bone height in the upper jaw, making it insufficient for implant placement.
• To Create Adequate Bone Volume: A sinus lift procedure addresses this issue by gently lifting the sinus membrane (the lining of the sinus) upward and placing bone graft material into the space created. This effectively increases the bone height in the upper jaw, providing the necessary support for dental implants.

In this video, Dr. Orhan Ofluoglu, a European Federation of Periodontology and the Turkish Periodontology Foundation member, explains sinus lift and how a sinus lift procedure supports successful dental implants.

Who Needs a Sinus Lifting?

Good candidates for sinus lift surgery are generally healthy individuals who have insufficient bone height in the upper jaw for dental implant placement due to sinus proximity or bone resorption and who are otherwise suitable candidates for dental implants. Sinus lift surgery does add to the overall cost of dental implant treatment. The exact cost can vary based on the type of sinus lift, the amount and type of bone graft material needed, and the complexity of the case.

How is Sinus Lift Surgery Performed? Types of Sinus Lift Procedures

The goal of sinus lift surgery is to safely and effectively increase bone volume in the upper jaw to support dental implants. There are two main types of sinus lift procedures:

1. Lateral Window Sinus Lift

The lateral window technique is typically used when a larger amount of bone graft material is needed.

• Procedure Steps:
  1. Accessing the Sinus: The dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue in the area where teeth are missing. A small window-like opening is created in the lateral (side) wall of the maxillary sinus bone.
  2. Sinus Membrane Elevation: Using specialized instruments, the sinus membrane lining the sinus cavity is carefully and gently lifted away from the bone.
  3. Graft Placement: Bone graft material is placed into the space created beneath the elevated sinus membrane. Bone graft material used in sinus lifts can come from various sources, including autograft (patient’s own bone), allograft (donor’s bone), xenograft (animal source, often bovine), or alloplastic (synthetic material). The choice of material depends on the individual case and dentist’s preference.
  4. Closure: The window opening may be covered with a membrane and the gum tissue is closed with sutures.
• When Used: Lateral window sinus lifts are often preferred when there is significant bone loss and a larger volume of graft material is required, typically for multiple implants or when there is very little existing bone height. This approach provides good visibility and access for graft placement.

2. Transcrestal (Osteotome) Sinus Lift

The transrectal sinus lift, also known as the osteotome technique, is a less invasive approach typically used when only a small amount of bone graft is needed, and there is already some existing bone height.

• Procedure Steps:
  1. Access Through Implant Site: Instead of creating a separate window, the sinus is accessed through the intended dental implant site.
  2. Osteotome Use: Specialized instruments called osteotomes are used to gently compact and push the existing bone upwards, thereby lifting the sinus membrane from below.
  3. Graft Placement (If Needed): In some cases, a small amount of bone graft material may be placed into the created space through the implant site. Often, the compacted bone itself is sufficient to create the needed space and stimulate new bone growth.
  4. Implant Placement (Sometimes Simultaneous): In suitable cases, dental implants can sometimes be placed at the same time as the transcrestal sinus lift procedure.
• When Used: Transcrestal sinus lifts are typically used when there is moderate bone height remaining and only a small increase in bone is needed. It is less invasive than the lateral window technique and often involves a shorter healing time.

Sinus Lift Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect

Recovering from sinus lift surgery is generally manageable. Here’s what you can typically expect and how to care for yourself during the healing process:

• Immediate Post-Operative Period:
  • Swelling and Bruising: Some swelling in the cheek and potentially mild bruising are normal in the days following surgery. This is usually most noticeable for the first 2-3 days and then gradually subsides.
  • Mild Bleeding: Some oozing or mild bleeding from the surgical site is expected for the first 24-48 hours.
  • Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort or pressure, which is usually well-managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
• Pain Management:
  • Pain Medication: Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication to manage any post-operative discomfort. Take medication as directed.
  • Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the cheek for the first 24-48 hours can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Nasal Congestion and Drainage:
  • Nasal Congestion: It’s common to experience some nasal congestion and drainage after sinus lift surgery as the sinus area heals.
  • Avoid Nose Blowing: It is crucial to avoid blowing your nose forcefully for several weeks after surgery, as this can put pressure on the sinus area and disrupt the graft. If you need to clear your nose, gently sniff inwards. Your dentist may recommend saline nasal sprays to help keep nasal passages moist.
• Activity Restrictions:
  • Avoid Strenuous Activity: Refrain from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for at least a week to 10 days after surgery to promote healing and minimize bleeding and swelling.
  • Keep Head Elevated: Sleeping with your head elevated on pillows can help reduce swelling.
• Oral Hygiene:
  • Gentle Oral Hygiene: Maintain gentle oral hygiene. Avoid brushing directly on the surgical site initially. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to clean your mouth during the healing period, often recommending a saltwater rinse.
• Follow-up Appointments:
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
• When to Contact Dentist:
  • Seek immediate dental help if you experience any of the following signs of potential complications:
    • Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding.
    • Signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever.
    • Significant increase in nasal drainage or persistent nasal congestion.

Generally, sinus lift recovery is uneventful when post-operative instructions are followed carefully. Most patients can return to their normal routines within a few days to a week, with full bone graft healing taking several months before dental implant placement.

Potential Risks and Complications of Sinus Lift Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, sinus lift surgery does carry some potential risks, although complications are generally not common, especially when performed by experienced dental professionals. It’s important to be aware of potential risks, which include:

• Sinus Membrane Perforation: The sinus membrane is delicate, and there is a risk of it being torn or perforated during surgery. In most cases, small perforations can be repaired during the procedure. Larger perforations may require the procedure to be staged, with implant placement delayed. Experienced surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk.
• Infection: Infection at the surgical site is a potential risk with any surgery. Good surgical technique, sterile conditions, and post-operative care instructions help minimize this risk.
• Graft Failure: In rare cases, the bone graft material may not integrate properly with the existing bone (graft failure). This is uncommon but can necessitate repeat grafting procedures.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected, but excessive bleeding is a potential risk that is typically managed during and after surgery.
• Pain and Swelling: Post-operative pain and swelling are normal but can be uncomfortable for some patients. Pain medication helps manage discomfort.

Sinus Lift Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes

Sinus lift surgery is a highly successful procedure in the vast majority of cases. Success rates for sinus lift procedures are generally reported to be very high, often exceeding 90-95% in experienced hands. This high success rate is consistently documented in dental literature, with numerous studies ¹ confirming the predictability of sinus lift surgery for augmenting bone in the upper jaw.

When a sinus lift is successful, it creates a stable and adequate amount of bone to support dental implants. Dental implants placed after successful sinus lift procedures have long-term success rates comparable to implants placed in native bone. Long-term studies ², following patients for 5 years and even 10 years or more, have shown that implants placed in grafted sinus lift sites exhibit excellent survival rates ³, functioning just as reliably as implants placed in naturally sufficient bone.

These research findings underscore that a sinus lift can effectively pave the way for long-lasting and functional dental implant restorations in the upper back jaw, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a complete and confident smile for many years to come. When performed with meticulous technique and appropriate case selection, the procedure offers a predictable and reliable solution for patients who otherwise would not be candidates for dental implants due to insufficient bone volume in the upper posterior maxilla.

Is Sinus Lift Right for Me?

If you are considering dental implants in your upper back jaw and have been told you have insufficient bone height, a sinus lift may be a necessary step to achieve successful implant placement.

To determine if a sinus lift is right for you, the best approach is to:

• Schedule a consultation at Maltepe Dental Clinic. Our experienced dental team will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, including assessing your bone volume and sinus anatomy using X-rays or CBCT scans.
• Discuss your dental implant goals and concerns.
• Receive a personalized treatment plan that outlines whether a sinus lift is recommended, the type of sinus lift procedure that might be best suited for you, and the overall dental implant process.

Sinus Lift: Before and After

Here are two videos showcasing sinus lift results before and after the procedure. Watch to see how a sinus lift enhances bone structure in the upper jaw, creating a stable foundation for future dental implants and transforming smiles.

Conclusion

Don’t let concerns about bone volume in your upper jaw prevent you from achieving the benefits of dental implants. Sinus lift treatment is a proven and predictable procedure that can create the necessary foundation for successful implant placement and a restored confident smile. At Maltepe Dental Clinic in Istanbul, we are committed to providing expert care and guiding you through every step of your dental implant journey.

Ready to learn more about sinus lift treatment and dental implants? Schedule a consultation with Maltepe Dental Clinic today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lift Surgery

Q: Is sinus lift surgery painful?
A: During the sinus lift procedure, you will be comfortably numb due to local anesthesia. Some post-operative discomfort is expected but is usually well-managed with pain medication. Most patients report that the discomfort is less than they anticipated. Especially the first 3-5 days can be very uncomfortable for patients, but they feel much better after that.

Q: How long does sinus lift recovery take?
A: Initial recovery (swelling, bruising) typically lasts a few days to a week. Full bone graft healing takes several months (usually 4-9 months) before dental implants can be placed.

Q: What are the alternatives to sinus lift surgery?
A: If a sinus lift is needed for dental implants in the upper back jaw, there are generally no direct alternatives to the sinus lift itself to create bone volume in that specific location. However, if a sinus lift is a major deterrent, alternatives to dental implants for tooth replacement could be considered, such as dentures or bridges (link to your “Dental Implant Alternatives” blog post here!).

Q: How much does a sinus lift surgery cost?
A: The cost of sinus lift surgery varies depending on factors like the type of sinus lift, the amount and type of bone graft material used, and the complexity of the case. The cost of the operations varies drastically from country to country, too. For example, a sinus lift operation can cost up to €2,000 in the USA and UK, while it costs €395 in Maltepe Dental Clinic, Turkey.

Q: How do I know if I need a sinus lift?
A: A dental examination, including X-rays or CBCT scans, is necessary to determine if you need a sinus lift. Your dentist at Maltepe Dental Clinic will assess your bone volume and sinus anatomy to determine if a sinus lift is recommended for successful implant placement.

Q: What type of bone graft material will be used?
A: The type of bone graft material used will be determined based on your individual needs and your dentist’s recommendation. Common options include autograft, allograft, xenograft, and alloplast. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.

SOURCE

1. Wallace, S. S., & Froum, S. J. (2003). Effect of maxillary sinus augmentation on survival of dental implants. A systematic review. Annals of Periodontology, 8(1), 328-343. ↩︎
2. Lundgren, S., Andersson, S.,ником Johansson, L. Å., & Stenport, V. (2004). Maxillary sinus lift and simultaneous implant placement. A 10-year prospective study. International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 19(5), 677-680. ↩︎
3. Nkenke, E., Stelzle, F., Radespiel-Tröger, M., Kloss, F., & Neukam, F. W. (2005). Maxillary sinus floor augmentation using xenogenic bone substitute material Cerabone® in combination with venous blood. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 16(5), 547-559. ↩︎