Sinus Lift (Building Bone for Upper Implants) in Turkey
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift—also called sinus augmentation—is a procedure that adds bone to the upper back jaw (behind the canine teeth) when natural bone height is too short for implants.
The maxillary sinus is an air space above the roots of your upper back teeth. After tooth loss, the sinus drops and the jawbone shrinks, leaving not enough depth to hold an implant safely.
By gently lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material underneath, we increase bone height so an implant can be placed with secure support.
Best for: Insufficient upper back jaw bone (molar/premolar area) before dental implants
Duration: 45–90 minutes (per side)
Why Bone is Missing There
The back upper jaw often loses bone faster because it is made of softer bone, and because the sinus can expand into the empty space after tooth loss. This is normal biology. A sinus lift reverses that change by rebuilding the floor of the sinus with new bone.
Types of Sinus Lift (simple overview)
Internal (crestal) lift:
A small lift done through the implant site using special instruments. Best when you only need a few millimetres of extra height. Often the implant is placed the same day.Lateral window lift:
A side approach when you need more height. We open a tiny bony window, raise the membrane, place graft material, and close it. The implant may be placed now if stability is good, or after healing if more support is needed.
What Materials are Used?
We use named, traceable graft materials. These may be:
Your own bone (small shavings) mixed as needed
Processed bone mineral or synthetic bone with a long safety record
A membrane to protect the graft while it heals
Your plan lists exact brands and batch numbers for full transparency.
The Steps…
Step 1:
Consultation and 3D Planning
Photos, exam, and a CBCT scan measure bone height, sinus shape, and safe areas. We discuss options, timelines, costs, and risks in plain English. You receive a clear written plan.
Step 2:
Treatment Day
You’re made numb with local anaesthetic (sedation may be available). We prepare the site, raise the sinus membrane with gentle instruments, and place the graft. If stability is good, we may place the implant at the same visit.
Step 3:
Healing Phase
The area can feel full or tender for a few days. Simple pain relief, cool packs, and rest help. The new bone forms over 4–6 months (sometimes 6–9 months for large lifts).
Step 4:
Implant Placement or Uncovering
If the implant wasn’t placed on day one, we place it once the new bone is strong. If it was, we uncover it later and begin the abutment/crown steps.
Step 5:
Final Tooth
After the implant fuses with bone, we fit your custom crown or bridge and check your bite.
The Process in Pics
How it Feels and What to Expect
You should feel pressure, not pain during the visit. Afterwards, expect mild swelling, possible bruise colours, and a feeling like a stuffy nose for a short time. Small nose bleeds can happen on day one. We give written aftercare so recovery stays smooth.
Aftercare (important)
Do not blow your nose or sneeze with your mouth closed for 2 weeks
No smoking (it slows healing and raises risk)
Sleep with head raised for the first 2–3 nights
Soft foods and gentle brushing; use any mouthwash as directed
Avoid flights and diving until we confirm healing
Take prescribed medicines exactly as advised
Risks and How we Reduce Them
All surgical care has small risks. With sinus lifts, these include:
Membrane tear (we repair it or pause to protect the area)
Infection or sinus irritation (we prescribe the right care)
Graft movement if the area is pressurised early (hence the no nose-blowing rule)
Implant not stable enough on the day (we simply stage it after healing)
We reduce risks with CBCT planning, clean technique, named materials, and clear aftercare. If anything unexpected occurs, we explain and adapt your plan safely.
Can Everyone have a Sinus Lift?
Most people who are well and have healthy gums can. We may treat gum disease first. If you have chronic sinus problems, we may work with your GP or ENT to keep things safe. Pregnant? We usually delay non-urgent surgery.
Results and Longevity
A well-planned sinus lift creates stable bone that can support implants for many years. The key to long-term success is good cleaning, regular reviews, and not smoking. Once restored, biting feels confident, and the shape of your smile is easier to maintain.
Alternatives if a Sinus Lift isn’t Ideal
Short or wide implants (in selected cases)
Tilted implants (e.g., All-on-4 concepts) to avoid the sinus
Implant-free options: bridges or partial dentures
We will compare safety, cost, time, and maintenance so you can choose with confidence.
Your Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Lifting
Will I be able to fly after a sinus lift?
Not straight away. We usually advise no flying for 2–3 weeks. Pressure changes can stress the graft.
Does a sinus lift hurt?
During treatment you’re numb. Afterwards you may feel pressure and swelling for a few days. Simple pain relief helps.
How long until I can have the implant?
If we place it on the day, it heals in place. If not, expect 4–6 months (sometimes 6–9 months) before implant placement.
What if the sinus membrane tears?
It can happen. We repair it or pause to protect healing. We’ll explain and adjust your timeline.
What kind of bone is used?
Your plan lists named, traceable materials—often a mix of your own bone shavings and bone mineral or synthetic graft.
Will I be blocked up or get a sinus infection?
A stuffy feeling is common for a short time. We give aftercare and, when appropriate, medication to keep things comfortable and safe.
Can smokers have a sinus lift?
Smoking raises risks and slows healing. We strongly advise stopping before and after surgery.
Is there a chance the graft fails?
It’s uncommon with good planning and aftercare. If a graft area doesn’t mature well, we can top it up or stage implants late
Will I be without teeth while it heals?
Not usually. We can plan temporary options that avoid pressure on the graft.
How do I clean during healing?
Gently. Soft brush around the area, no vigorous rinsing the first day, then follow the mouthwash plan we give you.
Why Choose Opus Smile for Sinus Lift
UK-backed implant bone-building | CBCT-planned sinus augmentation | Safe, clear, modern
Our focus is your result. We set clear expectations, give honest guidance, and support you from first message to final crown. Every partner clinic is vetted for safety, outcomes, and patient experience. Your sinus lift is digitally planned with CBCT and delivered by internationally trained clinicians using named, traceable graft materials.
You keep the best of both worlds: significant savings versus typical UK private fees plus a written warranty and UK-based aftercare. No bait pricing. No pressure. We assess first, explain options, and confirm exact costs only after proper diagnostics.
Hear it from real patients. Explore verified reviews on Trustpilot and see before-and-after stories that show safe bone gains leading to stable implants.
What you get with Opus Smile (Sinus Lift)
- CBCT-led planning to measure bone height, sinus shape, and safe zones
- The right technique for you: internal (crestal) lift for small gains or lateral window for larger lifts
- Named, traceable graft materials (and membranes) written into your plan
- Option for implant placement at the same visit when stability allows, or staged timing when safer
- Clear prices after diagnostics — no hidden extras
- Written aftercare (e.g., no nose-blowing, open-mouth sneezing, soft foods, head-up sleep) for smooth healing
- Comfort options (local anaesthetic; sedation where available)
- Written warranty and a UK-based aftercare network
- Hygiene coaching and review schedule to protect the graft and future implant
- Travel help and multilingual support at partner clinics
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