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Bone Grafting for Dental Implants – Sinus Lift for Insufficient Bone

In the so-called sinus floor (the base of the maxillary sinuses) lie the roots of the upper molars. When these molars are missing — especially over a longer period — the natural pressure stimulus is lost and the jawbone gradually becomes thinner. This leads to bone resorption, making bone grafting necessary.

Dentures that rest directly on the gums can also reduce the available bone in the upper jaw. Long-term pressure and incorrect loading can contribute to further, sometimes significant, bone loss. In such cases, a bone graft is essential to ensure implants can integrate safely and securely.

Below, we have compiled all important information regarding sinus lift bone grafting for dental implants — including the definition, indications, procedure, different types of sinus lift techniques, as well as the benefits and costs.
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What Is a Sinus Lift Bone Graft in the Upper Jaw?

The term “sinus lift” comes from the Latin sinus maxillaris (maxillary sinus) and the English word lift. In this procedure, the floor of the maxillary sinus is lifted upwards — also referred to as sinus floor elevation.

But what exactly happens during this treatment?

The sinus floor is a thin bony plate separating the mouth from the maxillary sinus. The roots of the upper posterior teeth are typically located here. Chewing exerts natural pressure on the jawbone, which helps keep it strong and healthy.

This regular stimulation is essential for maintaining bone density. If teeth are missing — for example, due to decay or periodontitis — this stimulation stops. Without the pressure, the bone gradually recedes, particularly in the area of the sinus floor.

Over time, this leads to atrophy (bone loss). The longer missing teeth remain untreated, the more severe the bone resorption becomes. Eventually, there may not be enough bone left to place dental implants safely.

In cases of complete tooth loss, fixed restorations without implants are not possible. This is exactly where the sinus lift comes in — enabling implants to be placed even when bone volume is limited.

During the procedure, the bone is gently lifted or separated from the sinus floor and then filled with a bone graft material. The graft is placed between the sinus membrane and the sinus floor.

This material gradually integrates with the surrounding bone tissue and forms a stable foundation for dental implants. Once the graft has healed and solidified, the implantologist places the implant, which is later restored with a dental crown.

Who Needs a Sinus Lift?

To determine whether a sinus lift is required, a detailed diagnostic evaluation is performed using advanced imaging techniques. 3D X-ray scans (CBCT) show how much bone is available and whether it is sufficient for implant placement.

Ideally, an implant needs 1–2 mm of bone thickness around it and 9–10 mm of bone height. If this vertical or horizontal bone volume is missing — meaning the bone is too low or too thin — a bone graft is required to ensure secure implant anchorage.

Other reasons for needing a sinus lift include:

Bone height in the upper jaw below 5 mm

Bone loss after tooth extraction or periodontitis

Planned implant placement in the posterior region (molars/premolars)

Frequently necessary in older patients or after long-term toothlessness

How Does a Sinus Lift Procedure Work?

First, the available bone is assessed in detail using CBCT imaging (digital volume tomography). This allows a precise 3D view of the mouth and jaw to determine exactly where a sinus lift is needed.

Next, the treating dentist or implantologist chooses the appropriate technique. There are two main types:

Internal (closed) sinus lift

The inner structure is crafted from metal for strength.

Procedure: Internal (Closed) Sinus Lift

Both types of sinus lift are performed under local anaesthesia. In the closed sinus lift, access is gained through the implant drilling channel. The canal is not drilled to full implant depth to avoid injuring the delicate sinus membrane.

As the drill approaches the membrane, special instruments are used to carefully widen the bone. Gentle tapping creates a small bone lid, which is elevated together with the membrane — without damaging it.

Bone graft material is then placed into the newly created space. If the bone is stable enough, the implant can usually be inserted in the same session.

Procedure: External (Open) Sinus Lift

In the open sinus lift, access is not through the drilling channel but through the lateral sinus wall.

First, the gum tissue is opened and folded back. A small window is then created in the outer bone wall. Through this opening, the implantologist carefully lifts the Schneiderian membrane from the sinus floor.

Bone graft material is placed into the space created between the membrane and the bone. After a healing period of several months — once the bone has stabilised sufficiently — the implant can be placed securely.

Open vs. Closed Sinus Lift – What’s the Difference ?

MethodSuitable ForDescription
Closed (internal) sinus lift~5–8 mm remaining bone heightAccess through implant site, minimally invasive, implant usually placed immediately
Open (external) sinus lift< 5 mm remaining bone heightAccess through lateral sinus wall, larger graft volume, implant placed after 4–6 months
Open sinus lift with graftVery low bone volume, complex casesCombination of graft materials, longer healing time, highly stable results

How Much Does a Sinus Lift with Bone Grafting Cost in Turkey?

Treatment England (avg.) Turkey with Fly2Smile (avg.)
Closed sinus lift £425–£765 £85–£170
Open sinus lift £1,020–£1,530 £210–£255
Open sinus lift with graft £1,275–£1,870 £380–£470
Dental implant (per implant, after healing) £1,530–£2,125 £255–£680
3D X-ray diagnostics £170–£340 Included
Bone graft material £255–£425 extra Included / part of package
Hotel & transfers – Included
Total (avg.) Up to approx. £4,250 From approx. £850–£1,530
With a sinus lift and bone graft in Turkey with Fly2Smile, you can save up to 80% — while receiving the same high quality, modern technology, and personalised care.

Benefits of Bone Grafting with Fly2Smile

At Fly2Smile, treatments take place in certified, state-of-the-art clinics. One of our highly specialised and experienced implantologists performs the bone grafting in the upper jaw. Our team has carried out numerous sinus lifts and has extensive expertise in the technique.
We use only premium grafting materials, including:

Autograft (patient’s own bone)

Allograft (human donor bone)

Xenograft such as Bio-Oss® (bovine bone)

GBR membranes (guided bone regeneration) such as Bio-Gide®

Synthetic materials (alloplast)

Or combinations of the above

We rely on cutting-edge digital planning and diagnostics for 3D scans and CBCT imaging, allowing precise planning of your sinus lift. Our clinics are fully equipped with the latest technology.

To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we offer all-inclusive packages including flight arrangements, hotel accommodation in 4- or 5-star hotels, a English-speaking coordinator, and all transfers between airport, clinic and hotel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A sinus lift is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort afterwards is normal but usually manageable with pain medication.

The healing period for an implant after a sinus lift is typically between four and six months. Depending on individual healing and the quality of the existing bone, this timeframe may vary. If sufficient bone is present, the sinus lift can, in some cases, be performed at the same time as implant placement.

No, bone grafting is not suitable for every patient. Whether the procedure can be carried out depends on several factors, including the amount of available bone, the patient’s general health, and the degree of bone loss.
Only high-quality materials are used for bone grafting in the jaw – depending on the case, this may include the patient’s own bone, human donor bone, animal-derived bone (e.g. Bio-Oss®), synthetic materials, or specialised membranes such as Bio-Gide®.