A sinus lift (sinus floor augmentation) is a surgical procedure that increases the amount of bone in the posterior upper jaw by lifting the membrane lining the maxillary sinus and placing bone graft material in the space created beneath it. It is performed when the upper back teeth have been missing for some time, causing the sinus to expand downward and leaving insufficient bone height for dental implants. The procedure is a well-established technique with predictable outcomes, performed routinely by oral surgeons experienced in implant dentistry.
A 3D CBCT scan measures the precise height of available bone between the jaw ridge and the sinus floor. The scan also reveals sinus anatomy including septa and membrane thickness that influence technique selection.
If remaining bone height is 4–6 mm or more, a closed (crestal) sinus lift may be performed simultaneously with implant placement. For less than 4 mm of bone, the open (lateral window) technique is used and a healing period of 4–6 months is required before implants.
A small oval access window is created in the lateral wall of the sinus. The Schneiderian membrane is carefully elevated from the sinus floor to create a pocket beneath it without perforation.
Bone graft material — typically a xenograft (e.g., Bio-Oss) mixed with the patient's own blood concentrate (PRF) — is gently packed into the lifted space between the sinus membrane and the sinus floor.
A collagen membrane covers the lateral window opening. The gum tissue is sutured. For the open technique, implants are placed after a 4–6 month healing period. For closed technique, implants are placed immediately.
3
Visits
4
Days stay
4–6 months after open sinus lift before implant placement
Healing
3D scan review and consultation on arrival. Sinus lift surgery performed under local anesthesia. Post-operative care instructions and prescriptions provided. Most patients stay 1–2 nights post-surgery before traveling home by ground or waiting 2 weeks for air travel.
Bone graft material consolidates into natural bone within the lifted sinus space. Avoid pressure-inducing activities for the first 2 weeks. A CBCT scan at 4–6 months confirms readiness for implant placement.
Confirmation 3D scan reviewed on arrival. Implant surgery performed into the newly formed bone. Provisional restoration placed if applicable.
After implant osseointegration (3–6 months), return for final crown or prosthesis fitting. Completes the full upper jaw restoration.
For patients who have been told they cannot have upper back implants due to insufficient bone, a sinus lift is often the decisive procedure that makes implants possible.
Sinus augmentation has decades of clinical evidence behind it. Success rates for subsequent implants placed after sinus lifting exceed 95% in specialist hands.
When bone height is borderline (4–6 mm), a closed sinus lift and implant can be placed in a single appointment, saving time and reducing total treatment visits.
The graft material is progressively replaced by your own bone, resulting in a solid, fully integrated bone foundation that supports the implant for decades.
The most common intraoperative complication is a small tear in the Schneiderian membrane. Minor perforations are managed immediately by the surgeon. Larger tears may require aborting and rescheduling the procedure.
Temporary sinus congestion and pressure are common for 1–2 weeks. Bacterial sinusitis occurs in a small percentage of cases and is treated with antibiotics.
The open technique requires 4–6 months of healing before implants can be placed, adding significantly to the total treatment duration. This is inherent to the biology of bone formation.
Some resorption of the graft material during healing is normal. If volume loss exceeds expectations, a supplementary graft may be required before implant placement.
Do not blow your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open if you must. Avoid flying for at least 2 weeks. Do not use straws or create any suction. Sleep with your head slightly elevated. Take all prescribed medications.
Avoid all activities that increase nasal or sinus pressure: sneezing with mouth closed, blowing nose, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise. Rinse gently with saline nasal spray as directed. Eat only soft foods.
Gradually resume normal activities. Continue gentle oral hygiene around the surgical site. Attend suture removal at 10–14 days. Notify the clinic immediately if you experience fever, severe pain, or pus discharge.
A 3D CBCT scan at 4–6 months confirms bone volume and quality. Once confirmed, implant placement is scheduled. Do not attempt implant placement before the surgeon confirms adequate bone maturation.
After implants are placed into the grafted sinus, follow standard implant aftercare: soft diet, gentle brushing, prescribed mouth rinse, and regular 6-month check-ups.
A sinus lift alone requires only 1–2 days on-site. Because flying is restricted for 2 weeks post-surgery, patients planning an open sinus lift should either stay locally for 2 weeks or travel by ground transport. If the simultaneous closed technique is used, standard post-implant travel restrictions apply.