Sinus lift – Everything You Need to Know About Sinus Augmentation

Sinus lift, also known as sinus lift, is a routine procedure in dental implantology that is recommended when a patient does not have enough bone in the upper jaw to place implants. If your dentist has told you that you are “not a candidate for implants due to a lowered sinus floor,” don’t worry – this procedure may be the solution.

What is a sinus lift, and why is it needed?

When teeth are lost in the lateral regions of the upper jaw, the bone in that area begins to recede. A sinus lift is then performed to raise the surface of the sinus floor and fill the space with biomaterial (artificial or your own bone). The goal is to obtain sufficient bone height for the safe placement of a dental implant.

What does a sinus lift procedure look like?

The sinus lift procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is completely painless. There are two methods:
✔ Lateral technique (open sinus lift)
It is used when the bone is less than 5 mm. Access is made through the lateral wall of the upper jaw, the sinus membrane is raised, and the space below it is filled with bone material.
✔ Crestal technique (closed sinus lift)
If the bone height is above 5 mm, the procedure is performed directly through the place where the implant will be placed, less invasive and shorter.

How long does recovery take after a sinus lift?

The recovery time varies depending on the method and the amount of added material. It usually lasts from 4 to 9 months, after which the implant can be inserted.

In some cases, it is possible to insert an implant immediately after a sinus lift; that is, the two procedures are performed in one act – it all depends on the individual findings.

Is a sinus lift painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is painless. There is no pain even after the procedure itself, but after the procedure, the following may occur:

• swelling,
• a feeling of pressure,
• discomfort.

All of this is successfully controlled with analgesics, and the swelling goes away in a few days.

Are there any risks?

As with any surgical intervention, there are potential complications, but they are rare if the procedure is performed by an experienced dentist. Also, each of them is solvable. Possible complications are:

• rupture (rupture) of the sinus membrane,
• infection,
• facial swelling.
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That is why the sinus lift must be performed with precise diagnostics – CBCT (3D scan), detailed analysis and planning, and the support of an experienced and professional team.

Are you a candidate for a sinus lift?

Have you been toothless in the lateral regions of the upper jaw for a long time? There is a possibility that you need a sinus lift procedure before or during the installation of implants, which is easily verified by X-ray diagnostics.

Conclusion

A sinus lift is a modern, safe and effective way to compensate for lost bone and enable successful installation of dental implants. Thanks to this procedure, patients with a lack of bone in the lateral regions of the upper jaw can also get a lasting and stable smile.

Schedule an examination, 3D X-ray – and find out if you are a candidate for this procedure.

28. Jul. 2025

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