Prepare Your Upper Jaw for Implants, Sinus Lift From £163
A sinus lift builds the bone needed for secure upper jaw implants, performed by experienced specialists using 3D-guided planning.
If you need implants in your upper jaw but do not have enough bone height, a sinus lift can make it possible. This procedure adds bone material beneath your sinus cavity, increasing the depth of bone available for implant placement. It is one of the most common preparatory procedures in implant dentistry.
In the UK, a sinus lift costs between £500 and £1,500. With The Health Store Turkey, the same procedure starts from just £163. Many patients have a sinus lift performed at the same time as their implant placement, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.
Your dentist identifies whether a sinus lift is needed from your X-rays before you travel. It is included in your detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing, so there are no unexpected costs.
What Is Sinus Lifting?
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation) is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the premolars and molars. The maxillary sinuses sit directly above this area, and when teeth are lost, the sinus can expand downward as the bone resorbs, leaving insufficient bone height for implant placement.
During a sinus lift, your dentist carefully lifts the sinus membrane (the thin lining of the sinus cavity) upward and places bone grafting material in the space created beneath it. Over several months, this grafting material integrates with your natural bone, creating sufficient depth for implants.
There are two main approaches. A lateral (open) sinus lift accesses the sinus through a small window in the side of the jawbone, this is used when significant bone augmentation is needed. A crestal (closed) sinus lift accesses the sinus through the implant site itself, this is less invasive and used when only a small amount of augmentation is needed.
Your dentist determines the best approach from your 3D scan.
Am I Suitable?
Am I a Good Candidate?
A sinus lift is recommended if:
- You need upper jaw implants but have insufficient bone height in the premolar/molar area
- Your 3D scan shows the sinus floor is too close to where implants need to be placed
- You have been missing upper back teeth for a long time and bone has deteriorated
- Your dentist has recommended bone augmentation before upper jaw implant placement
Your dentist assesses your bone height precisely with a 3D CBCT scan. If there is less than 8 to 10mm of bone between the jaw ridge and the sinus floor, a sinus lift is typically recommended.
Patients with active sinus infections, chronic sinusitis, or certain sinus conditions may need treatment before a sinus lift can be performed. Your dentist discusses any concerns during your consultation.
What Happens During the Procedure?
What Happens During Your Treatment?
Assessment
Your dentist reviews your 3D scan to measure the bone height and plan the sinus lift approach. The volume of grafting material needed is calculated.
The Procedure (60-90 Minutes)
Under local anaesthesia, your dentist makes a small incision in the gum to expose the bone. A small window is created in the bone, and the sinus membrane is gently lifted upward. Bone grafting material is placed into the space beneath the membrane. The incision is sutured closed.
In some cases, implants can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift if sufficient native bone exists for initial implant stability. If not, implants are placed after the graft has healed (4 to 9 months).
After the Procedure
Antibiotics, pain relief, and decongestants are prescribed. You are instructed to avoid blowing your nose forcefully, sneezing with your mouth closed, or using a straw, all of which could disturb the sinus membrane.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from a sinus lift requires some specific precautions to protect the sinus membrane.
First 24-48 hours: Swelling of the cheek area is normal. Apply ice packs. Take prescribed medication. Sleep with your head elevated. Avoid blowing your nose.
First 1-2 weeks: Soft food diet. Sneeze with your mouth open. Avoid bending over or heavy lifting. Use prescribed nasal spray or decongestant. Most patients return to daily activities within 3 to 5 days.
Weeks 2-4: Swelling resolves. Sutures dissolve or are removed. You gradually return to normal activities.
Months 2-9: The bone graft integrates with your natural bone. During this time, you carry on with normal life. Your coordinator checks in regularly.
After integration: A new scan confirms sufficient bone has grown for implant placement. Implants are placed during your next trip.
Your 12 months of aftercare covers the entire process from sinus lift through implant placement.
Risks & Considerations
Risks and Considerations
Sinus lifts are a well-established procedure with a high success rate. Risks include:
Sinus membrane perforation: The most common complication. If the membrane tears during elevation, it is usually repaired during the same procedure. If the tear is large, the procedure may be postponed to allow healing before a second attempt.
Infection: A small risk, particularly if you have a pre-existing sinus condition. Antibiotics help prevent and manage this.
Graft failure: In rare cases, the bone graft may not integrate. Factors like smoking and infection increase this risk. A failed graft can usually be repeated.
Sinusitis: Temporary sinus congestion or mild sinusitis can occur after the procedure. Decongestants and time usually resolve this.
All risks are discussed before your procedure. Your dentist uses 3D planning to minimise complications.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A sinus lift is a specific type of bone grafting procedure performed in the upper jaw. It involves lifting the sinus membrane upward and placing bone material beneath it. General bone grafting adds bone material directly to areas of the jaw where bone has been lost, without involving the sinus. Both procedures serve the same purpose, creating enough bone for dental implants.
In some cases, yes. If you have at least 4 to 5mm of native bone at the implant site, your dentist may place the implant and perform the sinus lift simultaneously. This reduces the number of procedures and overall treatment time. If there is less native bone, the sinus lift is done first, and implants are placed after 4 to 9 months of healing.
In the UK, a sinus lift costs between £500 and £1,500 depending on the complexity. With The Health Store Turkey, the same procedure starts from £163, a saving of up to 85%. The cost is included transparently in your overall treatment plan before you travel.
The bone grafting material integrates with your natural bone over 4 to 9 months, depending on the volume of grafting and your individual healing rate. During this time, you carry on with normal life. After healing, a 3D scan confirms the bone is ready for implant placement.
No. Once healed, a sinus lift does not affect your breathing, sense of smell, or sinus function. The sinus membrane is lifted by a few millimetres, a very small change that the sinus adapts to easily. Temporary sinus congestion during healing is possible but resolves. Long-term, your sinuses function normally.
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