Sinus Lift

Overview

A sinus lift is not a treatment on its own — it prepares the site for an implant. Depending on how much bone remains, the implant may be placed during the same operation or after the graft has healed.

Who is it for?

• Missing upper back teeth with too little bone height for an implant
• Long-standing tooth loss where the bone has thinned over the years
• An enlarged sinus cavity sitting low over the implant site
• A previous implant that could not be placed because of insufficient bone

How we do it

1. 01

   Examination and imaging

   A 3D cone-beam scan measures the remaining bone height and the shape of the sinus. This decides which technique is suitable and whether the implant can be placed at the same time.

2. 02

   Choosing the technique

   With 5 mm or more of bone, a crestal lift through the implant channel is usually enough. With less, a lateral window gives controlled access and allows more graft to be placed.

3. 03

   The procedure

   Performed under local anaesthesia, with sedation on request. The sinus membrane is lifted and graft material is placed beneath it. A lateral lift takes about 45–90 minutes.

4. 04

   Healing and the implant

   The graft turns into load-bearing bone over roughly four to nine months. If the implant was not placed at the same time, it is placed once the graft has matured.

After the treatment

• Swelling and mild bruising over the cheek for a few days is expected; cold packs and the prescribed medication keep it under control.
• Do not blow your nose, use a straw or fly for the period we specify — pressure changes can disturb the graft. Sneeze with your mouth open.
• Smoking markedly reduces graft success. Stopping before and during healing is the single most useful thing you can do.

Frequently asked questions

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Treatment planning is only possible after a clinical examination and radiographs at the clinic.