The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located just above the upper back teeth (molars and premolars). When these teeth are lost, two biological processes occur: the jawbone begins to resorb (shrink), and the sinus floor naturally drops down due to gravity and air pressure. This reduces the bone height available for dental implants.

For a standard dental implant, we generally require a bone height of 7-8 mm. When the available bone drops below 8 mm, a Sinus Lifting (Sinus Augmentation) procedure is mandatory to create a safe foundation.

At Dentafly Dental Hospital, we determine the correct technique based on precise 3D X-ray measurements.

1. The Closed Sinus Lifting Technique (Internal Approach)

This technique is preferred when the patient has a moderate amount of bone remaining.

  • The Criteria: Used when the existing bone height is between 3.5 mm and 7 mm.

  • The Procedure: The sinus floor is lifted through the same socket prepared for the dental implant. No extra surgical incision is needed on the gum wall.

  • The Outcome: We can lift the sinus floor by about 4-5 mm. In many cases, the natural tenting of the sinus membrane is enough to stimulate the body’s own bone formation, often without the need for excessive bone grafts or membranes.

  • Benefits: It is safer, more economical, and allows for faster healing with fewer complications.

Bone graft material being inserted into the sinus cavity during an internal sinus lift surgery to increase bone height for dental implants.
High-quality bone graft material is placed under the lifted membrane to ensure a solid foundation (minimum 7-8mm) for the implant.
Diagram showing the closed sinus lift procedure performed through the implant socket to elevate the sinus membrane without lateral incision.
The internal (closed) technique elevates the sinus floor through the implant site, minimizing recovery time.
Cross-section X-ray view of a dental implant securely placed in the upper jaw after a successful closed sinus lifting procedure.
Once the sinus floor is elevated and the bone is integrated, the dental implant is securely anchored for long-term stability.

2. The Open Sinus Lifting Technique (Lateral Window)

This technique is necessary for patients with severe bone loss.

  • The Criteria: Used when the existing bone height is less than 3.5 mm.

  • The Procedure: A small “window” is opened on the side wall of the jawbone. Through this window, the sinus membrane is gently pushed upward to create a cavity. This space is then packed with high-quality bone graft material and covered with a protective membrane.

  • Healing Process: The bone grafts require approximately 5-6 months to organize and integrate with your natural bone. During this period, blood supply from the surrounding tissues is critical for the graft to turn into solid, living bone.

  • Risk Factors: Success depends on blood circulation and preventing infection. If the graft does not receive enough blood supply, the procedure’s success rate drops.

High-volume bone graft material being packed carefully into the sinus cavity through the lateral window opening during surgery.
A larger volume of bone graft is necessary in the open technique to rebuild significant bone loss for future implants.

Advanced Technology at Dentafly

Standard x-rays are not enough for this precision surgery. At Dentafly:

  1. 3D CBCT Analysis: We measure bone height to the millimeter to decide between Open vs. Closed techniques before you even sit in the chair.

  2. Microsurgery: Our maxillofacial surgeons use microsurgical instruments to minimize trauma to the tissue, ensuring a comfortable post-op period.

  3. Sterilization: All procedures are performed in a sterile surgical environment to eliminate infection risks.

Alternative Solutions

If a patient’s anatomy or health profile makes sinus lifting too risky or unpredictable, we utilize advanced implantology techniques to bypass the sinus entirely:

  • Short Implants: Designed for lower bone heights.

  • Pterygoid Implants: Anchored in the dense bone behind the sinus.

  • Zygomatic Implants: Anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) for maximum stability.

By offering these alternatives, we minimize risks and ensure that every patient leaves with a fixed, permanent smile.

“Ready to plan your treatment? Check our Sinus Lifting in Turkey page for pricing, travel packages, and patient reviews.”