What is Sinus Lift? Who is it Suitable For?

A Common Problem in Upper Jaw Implants – Bone Insufficiency

Implant treatments stand out as the healthiest and long-lasting solution to missing teeth today. However, not every patient may be suitable for implant treatment. Especially in the back area of ​​the upper jaw (molars), bone loss may occur over time. This makes implant placement difficult. At this point, the sinus lift procedure, which is frequently used in dentistry, comes into play.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what the sinus lift operation is, who it is applied to, the treatment process, risks and frequently asked questions.

What is Sinus Lift?

Sinus lift is the process of lifting the sinus floor and adding bone to this area in cases where there is not enough bone height for implant application in the upper jaw back area (maxillary sinus).

With this operation, the bone volume required for the implant is created. Bone graft is applied under the sinus cavity and over time the graft here integrates with the natural bone and creates a strong structure.

Why is Sinus Lifting Performed?

Causes of Bone Loss in the Upper Jaw

• Long-term absence of prosthesis after tooth loss
• Osteoporosis due to advanced age
• Periodontal diseases
• Naturally large sinuses

These factors reduce the bone height required for the implant. Sinus lifting is a safe and effective method for solving this problem.

Who is a Sinus Lift Candidate?

• Individuals with missing back teeth in the upper jaw
• If the bone height in the area where the implant is planned is less than 4 mm
• If the sinus cavity is anatomically wide
• People with a history of previous failed implants

Sinus lifts generally yield successful results in patients with a bone height of 2–5 mm.

What are the Types of Sinus Lifts?

Closed (Transcrestal) Sinus Lift

• Less invasive
• Preferred if existing bone height is 5 mm and above
• Usually done in the same session as the implant
• The healing process is faster

Open (Lateral) Sinus Lift

• plied in cases where the bone height is very low
• A window is opened from the side wall and the sinus membrane is lifted up
• The graft is placed and the implant is usually applied later
• Requires surgical experience

How is Sinus Lifting Applied?

1. A panoramic x-ray or tomography is taken: The structure of the sinus and bone height are evaluated.
2. Anesthesia is applied: The procedure is performed with local anesthesia.
3. The sinus membrane is lifted: The sinus membrane is carefully pushed upwards.
4. A bone graft is placed: The shallow sinus cavity is filled with bone powder.
5. Implant placement (if necessary): If there is adequate bone volume, the implant can be placed at the same time.
6. Healing process: After an average of 4–6 months, the implant becomes completely fixed.

What are the bone grafts used?

• Autoxen graft: Taken from the patient's own bone
• Allograft: Human-derived grafts
• Scintigraft: Animal-derived (usually bovine bone)
• Synthetic graft: Artificial bone powders produced in a laboratory environment

What is the Healing Process?

• There may be mild swelling and pain in the first 48 hours
• Nosebleeds, sneezing or congestion may be experienced
• The average healing period varies between 4-6 months
• At the end of this period, the bone graft turns into natural bone tissue in the area where it is placed
• During the healing process, activities that will strain the sinus area (high pressure, heavy exercise, diving) should be avoided

Is Sinus Lift a Safe Procedure?

When performed by an experienced surgeon, sinus lift is quite safe. However, like any surgical procedure, it may carry some risks:

Possible Complications

• Rupture of the sinus membrane
• Risk of infection
• Bleeding
• Failure of the graft material
• Implant loss (rare)

These complications can usually be prevented with good hygiene, proper planning and physician follow-up.

Things to Consider After Sinus Lift

• No nose cleaning that will strain the mouth
• No smoking
• Very hot foods should be avoided for the first week
• Antibiotics and painkillers should be taken regularly
• Doctor check-ups should not be skipped

These recommendations support the healthy and rapid progress of recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lift

Is the sinus lift procedure painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, no pain is felt. There may be slight discomfort afterwards.

Can the implant be placed immediately?

It varies according to the bone height. In closed lifting, it is usually placed at the same time, in open lifting it can be postponed.

What happens if the procedure fails?

Although rare, if the graft does not hold, it can be repeated or different treatment methods can be planned.

Can it be performed together with other dental treatments?

Yes. If the planning is done correctly, it can be performed together with procedures such as tooth extraction and bone powder application.

Sinus Lift Increases Dental Implant Success Rate

Sinus lift significantly increases the success rate in dental implant applications. When adequate bone support is provided, implants can function healthily for many years. This application is one of the gold standard solutions that make implant treatment possible, especially for patients with bone insufficiency in the posterior region of the upper jaw.

Implants are Not Impossible with Sinus Lift

Sinus lift is an advanced surgical procedure that eliminates the obstacles to implant treatment. When well planned and applied by experienced hands, it is both safe and extremely effective. If there is not enough bone in the upper jaw for an implant, you can get rid of your missing teeth and achieve a healthy and aesthetic smile with this treatment option.