Sinus Lift

Sinus lift surgery (crestal or lateral) generally ranges from approximately €250 to the mid-hundreds of euros per side, depending on the technique used and the graft materials required.

Some patients require only a minor crestal sinus lift, while others need a lateral window sinus augmentation with a larger graft volume. For this reason, providing a single fixed price for this treatment would be misleading.

To determine whether you need a sinus lifting procedure and to receive a realistic cost estimate based on your sinus anatomy and implant plan, please contact us for a free online consultation.

You may need a sinus lift if you have:

• Insufficient bone height in the upper molar/premolar region

• Expanded sinuses after years of upper tooth loss

• Bone loss from periodontal disease or previous infections

• Naturally low-positioned sinuses that leave only a few millimetres of bone

In these cases, a sinus lift is often the only predictable way to create enough vertical bone for implants with a good long-term prognosis.

There are two main techniques used at Maltepe Dental Clinic:

• Lateral window sinus lift, also known as Open (Lateral) Sinus Lift, is used when a larger amount of bone is needed. A small “window” is opened in the side wall of the sinus, the membrane is lifted, and a bone graft is placed.

• Transcrestal (osteotome) sinus lift, also known as Closed/Indirect Sinus Lift, is a less invasive approach performed through the implant site when only a small lift is required, and some bone height is already present.

Your surgeon chooses the technique based on existing bone height, the number of implants planned, and your sinus anatomy.

Although it sounds complex, sinus lift surgery follows clear stages:

1. 3D imaging & planning – X-rays or CBCT scans measure your bone height and sinus position.

2. Anaesthesia – the area is numbed with local anaesthesia; sedation can be added if needed.

3. Access – either a lateral window is created in the side wall of the sinus or the sinus is accessed through the implant site (transcrestal method).

4. Membrane elevation – the delicate sinus membrane is gently lifted upward.

5. Bone graft placement – graft material (autograft, allograft, xenograft or synthetic) is placed under the membrane to gain additional millimetres of bone height.

6. Closure & healing – the site is sutured and left to heal for several months before implants are placed (in some minor cases, implants can be placed at the same time).

Clinical studies and Maltepe Dental Clinic’s own experience show that sinus lift surgery has high success rates:

• Overall, sinus lift success is often reported at 90–95% in experienced hands.

• Implants placed after a successful sinus lift show survival rates above 95%, comparable to implants placed in native bone.

In short, for patients with limited bone in the upper jaw, a sinus lift significantly improves the long-term stability and survival of dental implants.

Yes. Many international patients undergo sinus lift surgery at Maltepe Dental Clinic as part of a staged implant treatment plan:

• First visit: consultation, imaging, and sinus lift surgery, usually requiring a 3–7 day stay.

• Healing period: You return home while the graft integrates over 4–9 months.

• Second visit: implant placement and prosthetic work once bone healing is confirmed.

The clinic’s dental tourism process (airport transfers, accommodation guidance, multilingual support) is designed to make this two-visit plan practical and predictable for patients from the UK, Europe, the USA, and beyond.

Recovery has two different timelines:

• Early recovery:

  • Swelling, bruising and mild bleeding typically last a few days up to 1 week.

  • Most patients return to normal daily activities within 3–7 days (avoiding heavy exercise).

• Bone healing:

  • Full bone integration of the graft usually takes about 4–9 months.

  • Dental implants are normally placed after this 4–9 month period, once imaging confirms solid bone formation.

In selected transcrestal cases with adequate initial bone, your dentist may be able to place implants simultaneously with the sinus lift.

During the procedure, you are fully numb with local anaesthesia, and most patients describe feeling pressure rather than pain. Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and a feeling of sinus pressure are common in the first 3–5 days, but these are usually well-controlled with pain medication and cold compresses. Many patients report that the procedure was less uncomfortable than they expected.

Sinus lift surgery is considered safe and routine when performed by experienced clinicians, but potential complications include:

• Sinus membrane perforation (occurs in about 10–15% of cases and is usually repaired immediately)

• Infection of the graft or sinus

• Graft failure or partial integration

• Excessive bleeding, prolonged swelling, or bruising

• Temporary nasal congestion or increased sinus drainage

Most complications are rare and manageable, especially when you follow post-operative instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments.

Yes, in some cases. With the transcrestal (osteotome) sinus lift and sufficient existing bone height, your surgeon may decide to place dental implants during the same session. When bone height is very limited or a large volume of graft is required, implants are usually placed later, after about 4–9 months of healing. This decision is made after 3D imaging and careful risk assessment.

To protect the graft and sinus membrane, it is very important to:

• Avoid forceful nose blowing and sneezing with your mouth closed for several weeks

• Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 7–10 days, ideally longer

• Skip heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for 7–10 days

• Do not use straws or create strong suction in the mouth

• Avoid bending over repeatedly in the first days

• Follow the prescribed saline sprays, mouth rinses and medications exactly as instructed

These precautions help prevent sinus pressure spikes, membrane disruption and graft movement.

Several biocompatible graft options may be used, sometimes in combination:

• Autograft – your own bone (often from another area of your jaw)

• Allograft – processed donor human bone

• Xenograft – bone from animal sources (commonly bovine)

• Alloplast – synthetic graft materials

Your dentist will discuss which material – or combination – is most suitable based on your bone quality, medical history and treatment goals.

If a sinus lift is required for implants in the upper back jaw, there is usually no direct alternative to create bone in that exact area. However, tooth replacement options, instead of implants, include:

• Removable partial or full dentures

• Fixed dental bridges supported by neighbouring teeth

In very select cases, options such as short implants or zygomatic implants may reduce the need for a sinus lift, but they are not appropriate for everyone. They must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.