Bone Grafting and
Sinus Lifting

It is the reinforcement of deficient bone volume using graft materials; it may be required for stable implant placement.
Following tooth loss, the jawbone naturally resorbs over time or remains too narrow. In such cases, sufficient structural support for an implant may not exist. Bone grafting aims to increase bone volume by filling and protecting the deficient area with graft material. It can also be performed immediately after tooth extraction to reduce subsequent bone loss (socket preservation).

It is the elevation of the sinus membrane in the upper jaw to gain vertical bone height.
When teeth in the upper posterior area are lost, bone height decreases and the maxillary sinus cavity may expand downward. During a sinus lift procedure, the sinus membrane is gently elevated and graft material is placed into the resulting pocket. This creates the necessary vertical bone height for implants. Sinus function is fully preserved; the procedure does not eliminate or close off the sinus.

The patient’s own bone, human-derived, animal-derived, or synthetic grafts may be utilized.
Autogenous grafts are harvested from the patient’s own bone; allografts are human-derived, xenografts are animal-derived, and alloplasts are synthetic biocompatible materials. Which one to choose depends on the site, size of the bone defect, and healing expectations. In select cases, biological healing supports such as PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) derived from the patient’s own blood are also utilized.

The closed technique is performed through the implant osteotomy site, whereas the open technique is performed via a small window on the lateral wall.
In the closed approach, the sinus membrane is gently lifted directly through the implant preparation socket for a moderate vertical height gain. In the open approach, a small window is created on the lateral wall of the jawbone, which is preferred when more substantial bone height must be gained. The choice of technique depends on the existing residual bone height.

Tomography, sinus condition, general health, medical history, and periodontal status are thoroughly evaluated.
Bone volume and the condition of the sinus cavity are examined via 3D CBCT tomography. Any active sinusitis, dental infection, or gum disease is treated first. Blood thinner usage, diabetes, osteoporosis treatments, smoking status, and previous radiotherapy must be documented for safe procedural planning.

It is performed under local anesthesia; no pain is felt during the procedure.
Once the treatment area is completely anesthetized, you will only feel mild pressure and vibration sensations. Additional local anesthetic can be administered if needed. For patients with dental anxiety, conscious sedation options can also be discussed if available in your clinic.

Mild pain, swelling, and slight bruising may occur; prescribed medications and cold compresses help you get through this period comfortably.
Following the procedure, swelling, tenderness, and occasionally slight facial bruising may appear around the site. Following a sinus lift, light nasal bleeding or spotting may occur. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Full healing time varies based on the graft type and the scope of surgery.

Graft healing can take several months; in suitable cases, the implant can be placed in the same session.
If the existing bone is sufficient to achieve initial primary stability, the implant can be placed simultaneously. In cases with more substantial bone deficiencies, graft maturation is awaited first, and the implant is placed during a second stage. The recovery period varies per individual and graft type; an exact timeline is provided following the clinical examination.

Swelling, infection, sinus membrane perforation, sinusitis, and graft failure are among the possible risks.
As with any surgical procedure, infection, bleeding, and delayed healing can occur. During a sinus lift, a minor perforation in the sinus membrane might develop; this is usually repaired immediately during surgery, though extensive tears may require postponing the procedure. Graft integration failure is also a rare possibility. Smoking and unmanaged chronic conditions increase these risks.

It is important to avoid blowing your nose forcefully, keep your mouth open when sneezing, avoid smoking, and take medications regularly.
After a sinus lift, do not blow your nose hard, always keep your mouth open when sneezing, and refrain from drinking through a straw. Smoking impairs tissue healing. If you have plans involving significant air pressure changes like flight travel or scuba diving, consult your doctor beforehand. In case of fever, escalating swelling, foul odor, or persistent discharge, contact the clinic immediately.

Short implants, angled implants, or alternative prosthetic plans can be considered in select cases.
If bone volume is limited, options like short implants, angled (tilted) implants, or modifications in prosthetic design can be assessed. The feasibility of these alternatives depends on bone quality and masticatory forces. In completely edentulous arches, full-mouth implant concepts are evaluated separately according to bone conditions. For teeth requiring extraction, you can visit our tooth extraction page.