Facial contouring for implant placement
A sinus lift can facilitate the placement of implants intended for the upper premolars and molars if there is insufficient bone available beneath the maxillary sinus. During a sinus lift, the mucous membrane lining the maxillary sinus is carefully lifted away from the bony base, thereby creating space to increase the volume of bone.
During the implant consultation, we assess the need for surgery based on the condition of the existing bone and the maxillary sinus. Not every case of upper jaw tooth loss requires a sinus lift; the appropriate procedure depends on your anatomical characteristics and the implant treatment plan.
I would like to book a consultation regarding dental implants
When might a sinus lift be necessary?
The maxillary sinus is an air-filled cavity situated above the upper premolars and molars. Following tooth loss, the alveolar process may undergo remodelling, and the dimensions of the maxillary sinus may also change. Together, these two processes may reduce the bone height available for implantation.
The need for a sinus lift can be assessed on the basis of the patient’s individual anatomy and the planned implant placement. Not all cases of upper jaw tooth loss require a sinus lift, and the procedure is not the same as the treatment of sinusitis.
Diagnostic investigations and surgical planning
The examination includes an assessment of the condition of the teeth and gums, as well as a review of the patient’s general health and any medication they are taking. For treatment planning, a three-dimensional CBCT scan helps to assess the height and width of the existing bone, the shape of the maxillary sinus and the anatomical relationships within the surgical area.
Please let us know if you have a history of recurrent sinusitis, persistent nasal congestion, allergic symptoms or previous sinus surgery. These factors may affect the treatment plan. In certain cases, an ENT examination or postponement of the operation may be necessary.
Please inform us if you smoke, have diabetes, are taking any medication that affects blood clotting, or are taking any medication that affects bone metabolism. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor. The oral surgeon will tailor the details of your pre-operative preparation to your specific condition.
Preparing for and planning the day of the operation
Please bring your previous dental X-rays and a list of the medicines you are taking. If you develop a cold, a blocked nose, a fever or sinus problems before your scheduled appointment, please inform the surgery. Your dentist will decide whether the procedure can go ahead or whether further investigation and other treatment are required first.
Please discuss in advance what arrangements need to be made regarding meals, any medication you take regularly and getting home. The type of anaesthesia will affect the preparations and whether you need someone to accompany you. Do not, on your own initiative, use antibiotics or nasal drops prescribed for another patient.
According to Naturadent’s practice, an ENT consultation is required if a lesion is observed in the maxillary sinus whose origin cannot be attributed to a dental cause.
Closed and open sinus lifts
In the closed, or transcrestal, technique, the bone is raised from the bone bed prepared at the intended site of the implant. This approach is typically considered when there is sufficient existing bone available and only a minor increase in height is required.
In the open or lateral window approach, the mucosa is accessed via a small bony window created in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. This may be appropriate when a larger volume of bone needs to be created. The method is chosen based on the characteristics of the bone and the maxillary sinus; neither is necessarily better or simpler than the other in every case.
Bone substitute material and a supplement made from the patient’s own blood
In facial bone augmentation, the patient’s own bone, processed donor bone, bone substitutes of animal origin or synthetic materials, or a combination of these, may be used. The choice of material depends on the surgical plan and the amount of bone required. It is advisable to clarify the origin of the material before the procedure.
PRGF–Endoret, a preparation derived from the patient’s own blood, is a supplement containing platelets and growth factors. Using the appropriate procedure, it can also be used to produce a gel or a fibrin membrane. It is not the same as the patient’s own bone or granular bone substitute material.
Its use may support the healing process, but its effect depends on the specific surgical situation and the procedure used. The use of PRGF does not guarantee faster bone healing or a risk-free operation. Our implantologist regularly recommends PRGF as a complementary treatment. Its use is agreed upon as part of the individual treatment plan.
The timing of sinus lift surgery and implant placement
If adequate initial stability of the implant can be ensured within the existing bone, the implant can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift. In other cases, the sinus lift and bone grafting are carried out first, and implantation takes place once healing has been completed.
Bone regeneration may take several months. The timing of the next step should be determined on the basis of a follow-up examination; the absence of symptoms alone does not confirm that the bone can bear weight.
From sinus lift surgery to the final dental restoration
When reviewing the treatment plan, it is worth discussing with your dentist when the bone is expected to have healed and when the dental restoration will be ready. If the implant is placed at the same time as a sinus lift, this does not mean that you will receive a permanent, load-bearing dental restoration at the same time.
In the case of an implant procedure scheduled for a separate appointment, the implant can be placed once the bone graft has healed. This is followed by the healing of the implant and the fabrication of the final crown or bridge. During your consultation, you should therefore ask about the expected timetable for the entire process, not just the duration of the sinus lift.
A temporary dental prosthesis is made whilst you are recovering. Its design and load-bearing capacity must be adapted to the surgical plan. If you already have a removable prosthesis, please clarify before the procedure whether you will be able to wear it afterwards and whether it will need to be adjusted.
Anaesthesia and post-operative complaints
A sinus lift can often be performed under local anaesthetic. The type of anaesthesia will be chosen based on the extent of the procedure and your condition. You may feel some pressure during the operation; please inform your doctor immediately if you experience any pain.
Afterwards, swelling, bruising, pain or a temporary feeling of fullness may occur on the affected side. Your doctor will advise you on the medication to be used and how to clean the wound yourself. At your follow-up appointment, they will check your progress and remove the stitches if necessary.
Protecting the sinuses whilst healing
After the operation, you must avoid significant changes in pressure within the sinuses. Do not blow your nose during the prescribed period; when sneezing, keep your mouth open, do not pinch your nostrils shut, and do not bend over. The exact duration of these restrictions will be determined by the oral surgeon.
During the first two weeks following the operation, you should avoid flying, diving, playing wind instruments and strenuous exercise. Please consult your doctor before resuming these activities; do not assume that the two-week period automatically means you have the go-ahead. It is also important to avoid smoking and to follow the aftercare instructions.
Rest and keeping in touch whilst recovering
Make sure you allow time to rest on the day of the operation and during the initial recovery period. When returning to work, the level of physical exertion, the strain involved in speaking and the extent of the procedure will all be taken into account. Do not plan any travel, flights or sporting events around the time of your operation without first consulting your oral surgeon.
Before your treatment begins, make sure you know who to contact if you have any complaints, and what to do outside of consultation hours. Keep your follow-up appointment even if your symptoms improve. If any part of the instructions you have been given is unclear, ask for clarification before deviating from them.
Possible complications and warning signs
During the procedure, the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus may be damaged. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, repair, the use of another collagen membrane, a modification to the plan, or possibly the continuation of the operation at a later date may be necessary. Complications may include infection, sinusitis, wound dehiscence, partial loss of the bone graft, or inadequate bone formation.
If you experience a fever, feel unwell, or if you have increasing pain or swelling, pus-like discharge, persistent bleeding or if the wound reopens, please contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you notice fluid draining from your mouth into your nose, seek a check-up as soon as possible. Heavy bleeding, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, requires urgent medical attention.
If you have a complaint during consultation hours, please visit your GP’s surgery. Outside consultation hours, please seek treatment in accordance with the emergency instructions you have been given. If you have symptoms requiring urgent treatment, do not wait until the next consultation.
The cost of a sinus lift and the alternatives
In some cases, a different implant plan – such as a shorter implant, a bridge or a removable denture – may be considered, provided the conditions are suitable. Avoiding a sinus lift does not in itself make a solution more suitable for you; the expected benefits and risks must be weighed up together.
The cost is influenced by the chosen method, the area being treated, the bone grafting materials and the number of surgical steps required. Please clarify whether the quote includes imaging, follow-up appointments and any additional treatments, and whether the costs of the implant and the dental prosthesis are listed separately.
Frequently asked questions about sinus lift surgery
Is a sinus lift the same as bone grafting?
A sinus lift is a specialised surgical procedure performed in the area of the upper back teeth to increase bone volume. General bone grafting can also be carried out on other parts of the jaw; not all bone grafts involve a sinus lift (sinus elevation).
Can the operation be carried out even if I have facial inflammation?
The cause of the complaint and the condition of the maxillary sinus must first be assessed. An ENT examination or postponement of the operation may also be necessary. A sinus lift is not intended to treat sinusitis.
In an open sinus lift, do they make an incision on the outside of my face?
No. In the standard lateral window procedure, access is gained from inside the mouth, via the gums. The term ‘open’ refers to a bone window created in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, not to an external incision in the facial skin.
Which method is better, the closed or the open one?
This is determined by anatomical factors and the required increase in bone height. A solution that sounds like a less invasive procedure is not an option in every case. The implantologist must justify the recommendation based on your medical findings.
Will the implant be fitted straight away as well?
Only if adequate initial stability can be ensured. Otherwise, it is necessary to wait for the sinus lift to heal first. The timing of the final dental restoration is a separate issue in both cases.
Can bone grafting be replaced with material made from one’s own blood?
PRGF is a complementary preparation and is not the same as a bone substitute. Its use is tailored by the oral surgeon to the specific procedure; it should not be regarded as a substitute for bone grafting in all cases.
What should I do if I need to sneeze or my nose gets blocked?
When you sneeze, keep your mouth open and do not hold your nose. Do not blow your nose during the prescribed period. If you experience a blocked nose, seek advice and use only the product recommended for you.
When can I fly, play sport or go diving?
Avoid these activities during the first two weeks after your operation. Please ask for specific permission before resuming them; the fact that the pain has subsided is not in itself sufficient to determine whether it is safe to resume these activities.
Is it normal for my face to be swollen during the first few days?
Swelling and bruising may occur. However, if symptoms worsen, or if you develop a fever, feel unwell or experience discharge, you should seek medical attention. Do not judge your recovery solely by the size of the swelling.
What happens if the mucous membrane is damaged during the operation?
The oral surgeon will decide, based on the nature of the injury, whether to carry out the repair, amend the surgical plan or postpone the procedure until a later date. This may also affect the timing of the implant placement.
Book an appointment
Please book an appointment for an implant consultation. We will assess whether a sinus lift is required to replace your upper teeth, and we will discuss the treatment process and the expected timeline.
I would like to book a consultation regarding dental implants













