What Is Sinus Lifting?

Sinus lifting (sinus floor elevation) is a surgical bone augmentation procedure performed in the upper posterior jaw region (premolar and molar area) when there is insufficient bone height for implant placement. During the procedure, the sinus membrane (Schneider membrane) is carefully elevated and bone graft material is placed in the created space. Over time, this graft material converts to natural bone.

Sinus lifting procedures performed by Sp. Dt. Aykut Gurel in Atasehir, Istanbul, are carried out with detailed planning using 3D tomography and modern surgical techniques.

When Is Sinus Lifting Necessary?

The maxillary sinuses are located in the upper posterior jaw region. After tooth loss, bone resorption occurs in this area and the distance between the sinus floor and the upper surface of the jawbone (residual bone height) decreases. Generally, at least 8-10 mm of bone height is required for implant placement.

Sinus lifting is indicated in the following situations:

A 3D tomography (CBCT) scan is mandatory to determine bone height. This allows detailed evaluation of the sinus structure, bone density, and anatomical variations.

Residual bone height 1-4 mm: Open sinus lifting is performed. The implant is usually placed in a separate session.
Residual bone height 4-7 mm: Open or closed sinus lifting may be applied. In some cases, the implant can be placed in the same session.
Residual bone height 7-8 mm: Closed sinus lifting with simultaneous implant placement is possible.

Types of Sinus Lifting

Graft Materials

Graft materials used in sinus lifting are biological or synthetic substances that support bone formation and convert to natural bone over time:

Autogenous Bone (Patient's Own Bone)

Bone tissue taken from the patient's jaw or another intraoral site. Considered the gold standard due to its osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. However, it requires an additional surgical site (donor site).

Allograft (Processed Human Bone)

Human-derived bone graft obtained from tissue banks, processed to remove antigenic properties. It has a similar structure to autogenous bone and the advantage of not requiring additional surgery.

Xenograft (Animal-Derived Bone)

Bovine or porcine-derived mineral bone matrix with organic components removed through special processing. Bio-Oss is the most widely used material in this category. Its slow resorption provides volume preservation.

Synthetic Bone Grafts (Alloplastic)

Hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate, or bioactive glass-based materials produced in the laboratory. There is no disease transmission risk and they are produced at standard quality.

Graft selection is determined by the clinician based on the patient's clinical condition and the size of the bone defect. In many cases, different graft materials are combined.

1. Evaluation and Planning

Sinus structure, bone height, and density are evaluated in detail with CBCT (3D tomography). Sinus septums, membrane thickness, and potential pathologies are identified. Digital case planning determines all details before surgery.

2. Surgical Procedure

Under local anesthesia, sinus lifting is performed using the appropriate technique (open or closed) based on the patient's condition. Procedure time varies from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on case complexity.

3. Healing Period

A waiting period is necessary for graft material maturation and new bone formation:

Closed sinus lifting: 3-4 months (if the implant was placed simultaneously)
Open sinus lifting: 6-9 months (if the implant will be placed in a separate session)

4. Implant Placement

Once sufficient bone formation is achieved, implant surgery is performed. Learn more about the implant procedure on our dental implant page.

Post-Operative Care Instructions

Following these recommendations is important for a positive recovery after sinus lifting:

First 24 hours: Apply ice (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off). Sleep with your head elevated.
First week: Do not blow your nose, or blow very gently. Direct sneezing reflexes through an open mouth. Avoid hot foods and beverages.
First 2 weeks: Avoid heavy physical activity. Do not travel by air. Do not swim in pools or the sea.
First 4 weeks: Do not smoke. Do not use straws for drinking.
General: Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers regularly. Attend all follow-up appointments.

Success Rates

Sinus lifting is one of the surgical procedures in dentistry with extensive clinical evidence. Success rates reported in the literature:

Factors affecting success rates include the surgeon's experience, the graft material used, the patient's general health, and smoking habits.

Sinus lifting surgery success rate: 95-98%
Success rate of implants placed after sinus lifting: 90-97% (10-year follow-up)
Graft survival rate: 96-100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the sinus lifting procedure painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and no pain is felt during surgery. Mild to moderate pain and facial swelling may be experienced in the first 2-3 days. Prescribed pain relievers make this period comfortable. Post-operative discomfort is generally less with closed sinus lifting.

How long do I need to wait after sinus lifting?

The waiting period depends on the technique used and the existing bone height. If a closed sinus lifting was performed with simultaneous implant placement, 4-6 months are needed for implant-bone fusion. If an open sinus lifting was performed and the implant will be placed in a separate session, 6-9 months are needed for graft maturation before implant surgery.

Is sinus lifting risky?

As with any surgical procedure, sinus lifting carries some risks. The most common complication is sinus membrane perforation (occurring in 10-35% of cases). This risk is minimized with careful surgical technique by an experienced surgeon. Complications such as infection, bleeding, and graft loss are rare. 3D planning and choosing an experienced surgeon significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Sinus Lifting