What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift (building up the jawbone, augmentation) is a surgical procedure by which we increase the height of bone in the lateral part of the upper jaw. We raise the bone upwards, beneath the lining of the maxillary sinus (the antrum of Highmore), and place a bone substitute into the resulting space.
The result: enough bone for the safe placement of dental implants, which would otherwise not be possible without this procedure.
When do we need a sinus lift?
We perform a sinus lift when:
- the bone height in the lateral part of the upper jaw is less than 8 mm
- the patient wishes to replace lateral teeth in the upper jaw (molars or premolars)
- after years of missing teeth the bone has resorbed (shrunk)
- bone has been lost following inflammation or injury
A sinus lift is NOT needed when replacing teeth in the lower jaw or in the front part of the upper jaw.
Closed sinus lift (transcrestal)
A minimally invasive procedure. We insert the bone substitute through the space where the implant will sit. Suitable for mild bone deficiency (6–8 mm). It can be carried out at the same time as placing the implant.
Open sinus lift (lateral)
A larger procedure. We make a small window in the lateral wall of the jaw, lift the sinus lining and insert a larger amount of bone substitute. Suitable for severe bone deficiency (less than 6 mm). The implants are placed after 4–6 months, once the substitute has integrated.
1. Diagnostics
A 3D CBCT scan shows the anatomy of the sinus and the bone height precisely. Without a 3D scan, a sinus lift is not safe.
2. Local anaesthesia
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia — the same as for extracting a tooth. The patient is awake but feels nothing.
3. Access to the bone
In an open sinus lift we make a small window in the lateral wall of the jaw. In a closed one we access through the site where the implant will sit.
4. Lifting the lining and inserting the substitute
We carefully lift the sinus lining and insert a bone substitute (synthetic or biological material) into the space beneath it.
5. Sutures and recovery
We suture the site. The patient goes home within 30 minutes of the procedure. We remove the sutures after 7–10 days.
6. Placing the implants
If a closed sinus lift was performed, the implant is placed at the same time. With an open sinus lift we wait 4–6 months for the bone to integrate, then place the implants.
Sinus lift price in Slovenia 2026
| Type of procedure | Price | |---|---| | Closed sinus lift (transcrestal) | 250–400 € (included in placing the implant) | | Open sinus lift (lateral) | 500–800 € | | 3D CBCT scan before the procedure | 80 € | | Check-up (10 days after the procedure) | Free |
The price includes: bone substitute, local anaesthesia, the surgical procedure, sutures, check-ups. No hidden costs.
For comparison: the price of a full rehabilitation of the jaw (All-on-4 + sinus lift, if needed) is 5,500–6,500 €.
Does a sinus lift hurt? Recovery after the procedure
During the procedure — it does not hurt. The local anaesthesia is effective; all you feel are mild vibrations.
After the procedure — mild discomfort for 2–3 days. Patients describe:
- minor swelling of the face (cheek)
- occasional mild headaches
- minor bleeding from the nose (1–2 days)
- a feeling of pressure in the jaw area
The pain is manageable with simple analgesics (Lekadol, Ibuprofen). Most patients return to work as early as the next day.
Rules after the procedure (7–10 days)
- Do not blow your nose — if you must, open your mouth at the same time
- Avoid blowing (instruments, balloons)
- Do not dive or fly for 14 days
- Sleep with your head raised on the first night
- Soft food for 7 days, avoid hot food
Alternatives to a sinus lift
For patients who cannot or do not wish to have a sinus lift, we offer alternative solutions:
Subperiosteal implants
For patients with severe bone deficiency, where a sinus lift would not be sufficient, we offer subperiosteal implants — the implant rests directly on the surface of the bone and requires no augmentation. Price 9,900 € for a comprehensive solution.
Removable dentures
The most affordable but less comfortable solution. Without fixation.
All-on-4 with tilted implants
With the All-on-4 method we can sometimes bypass the sinus using tilted implants — depending on the anatomy.
Frequently asked questions about the sinus lift
Is a sinus lift safe?
Yes. The success rate of the procedure is over 95%. The risks are minimal with an experienced implantologist using 3D planning.
How long does the procedure itself take?
Closed sinus lift: 30–45 minutes. Open sinus lift: 60–90 minutes.
Do implants last as long after a sinus lift as without one?
Yes. After the bone substitute has integrated, the implants are just as stable as in patients with natural bone. Lifespan 20+ years.
What if the bone substitute does not grow properly?
At Koderman we use proven biological substitutes. If, in very rare cases, integration does not occur, we repeat the procedure at our own expense (guarantee).
Can you perform the sinus lift in the same session as placing the implant?
With a closed sinus lift: yes, at the same time. With an open one: separately (implant after 4–6 months).