Closed sinus lift

At the Kiadent Dental Clinic, we perform closed sinus lift of the upper jaw before dental implantation.

At the Kiadent Dental Clinic, we perform closed sinus lift surgery on the upper jaw before dental implantation.

What is the procedure — closed sinus lift?

Closed sinus lift (lateral) is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the height / volume of the spongy bone of the jaw in the area between the fourth and seventh teeth. It is often performed prior to the placement of dental implants.

This method differs from open sinus lift surgery by being less traumatic and having a shorter recovery period.

Which doctors perform closed sinus lift procedures?

Maxillofacial surgeons diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, injuries, and defects of the face, mouth, and jaws.

Dental implantologists plan and perform dental implant placement and additional procedures, including sinus lift surgery.

Price

Find out how much closed sinus lift surgery costs in Odesa.

Full list of services for closed sinus lift:

Consultation with a dentistClosed sinus lift surgery

Indications and contraindications for lateral sinus lift

Indications

Bone height less than 6–8 mm. Typically, this atrophy is caused by upper jaw bone defects or long-term tooth loss.
Low position of the maxillary sinus floor, which prevents implant placement due to the risk of injury.
Osteoporosis, fragile jawbone. The procedure helps slow further atrophy.
Planning of immediate implantation. The closed method allows placing an implant during the same surgical session.

Contraindications

Relative, correctable, but requiring additional treatment or stabilization.

Infectious processes, sinus pathologies, such as severe sinusitis, polyps, chronic sinus inflammation.
Smoking impairs wound healing, increasing the risk of complications.

Absolute contraindications, non-correctable.

Blood clotting disorders, for example, due to hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or the use of anticoagulants with no possibility of temporary discontinuation.
Severe systemic diseases — cardiovascular, neurological, or immune disorders that increase the risk of complications.
Anatomical anomalies. For example, severe facial bone deformities may hinder the procedure.

Preparation for closed sinus lift

1. Stage. Consultation and anamnesis collection
The doctor gathers information about:
- chronic diseases;
- allergies (if any);
- medications being taken;
- previous surgical interventions.
2. Stage. Diagnostic studies
Panoramic X-rays for general assessment of bone structure;
Computed tomography (CT) helps assess the volume, density of the bone tissue, and sinus location.
3. Stage. Surgery planning
Based on the diagnostic data, the doctor determines the location and amount of bone material needed for the sinus lift. Implant placement is planned, and possible risks and complications are assessed.

Stages of closed sinus lift before implantation

1. Stage. Oral sanitation and anesthesia
The dentist evaluates the condition of the teeth and gums. If necessary, treats caries, periodontitis, or other oral infections.
Prescribes professional dental cleaning
2. Stage. The doctor anesthetizes the area of intervention.
3. Stage. Creating access to the sinus
The surgeon makes a small horizontal incision in the gum. Using a drill, a hole (access to the sinus floor) is made in the cortical plate of the jawbone, about 3–4 mm in diameter.
4. Stage. Placement of bone graft
Through the created hole in the bone, the doctor elevates the floor of the maxillary sinus.
Osteoplastic material is inserted into the space formed beneath the lifted Schneiderian membrane.
5. Stage. Completion of the procedure
The surgeon sutures the incision in the gum. The surgical site is treated with an antiseptic.
The patient receives oral care instructions and is prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.

Sinus lift and implant placement timing

Implants are often placed simultaneously with closed sinus lift surgery. This eliminates the need to wait for the bone graft to integrate, as the alveolar ridge can be augmented and the implant placed during a single visit.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

Minimally invasive compared to open sinus lift. The procedure does not require extensive soft tissue incisions.
Reduced risk of complications. There is less likelihood of damaging the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus, bleeding, or infection.
Shorter recovery period and less pain in the postoperative phase compared to the open method.
Possibility of immediate implantation. As a result, the implant and bone graft integrate with the jaw tissue simultaneously.

Disadvantages

Limited indications. The jawbone volume can only be increased by 2–3 mm. The method is ineffective in cases of significant atrophy.
Requires accurate preoperative evaluation. Thorough diagnostics and planning are necessary, including CT scanning.

Materials

The doctor may suggest the following types of bone grafts:

Autogenous bone graft, harvested from the patient

Bone tissue is usually taken from other areas of the face, such as the chin or lower jaw.

The material has high biocompatibility, which promotes faster integration. However, it requires an additional surgical procedure to harvest the bone.

Allogenic, donor-derived material

Bone tissue is sourced from donor bone banks.

The material undergoes thorough cleaning, reducing the risk of rejection. It allows for obtaining sufficient amounts of tissue.

Xenografts, of animal origin

Most often, Bio-Oss osteoplastic material is used (bone tissue from cows, pigs, or horses).

The material is carefully processed. The risk of rejection is minimal.

Alternatives to sinus lift

Zygomatic implants. Long implants are inserted directly into the zygomatic bone, bypassing the maxillary sinuses and areas with insufficient bone volume.
Short implants. These do not require significant bone augmentation.
Removable dentures. Can be used as a replacement for one, several, or all teeth. They do not require surgery. However, compared to implant-supported prosthetics, removable dentures are less stable and do not provide sufficient load on the jaw, leading to continued atrophy.

Is sinus lift always performed before implantation?

No. If the spongy bone of the jaw has sufficient height and volume, dental implantation can be performed without a sinus lift.

Recovery after closed sinus lift surgery

What normal recovery looks like after a lateral sinus lift:

During the first 1–3 days after the procedure, swelling develops, minor bruising, tenderness, mild bleeding from the nose and incision site may occur.
By days 4–7, swelling, bruising, and discomfort gradually subside.
On days 7–10, the doctor removes the stitches.
Within 2–4 weeks, the mucosa fully heals and the swelling disappears.

How to relieve discomfort after the procedure?

To reduce pain, speed up healing, and prevent complications (such as heavy bleeding or swelling), take antibiotics and painkillers in the correct dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Also, for the first 1–7 days avoid:

consuming alcohol;
smoking;
physical exertion (including bending over or lifting weights);
hot food or drinks;
blowing your nose;
visiting saunas or steam rooms.

Questions and answers

How should a patient prepare for the procedure?
Below is a short checklist to help you prepare:
- Stop taking certain medications (e.g., anticoagulants) if necessary.
- Strictly follow all medical instructions regarding taking or stopping medications.
- Do not smoke for 5–7 days before the surgery.
- Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours before the sinus lift.
- Do not eat or drink for 2–3 hours before the procedure.
- Discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking mild sedatives (if needed).
- Brush your teeth thoroughly.
How does closed sinus lift differ from unilateral sinus lift?
Closed and unilateral sinus lifts are two different methods for increasing bone volume.
The unilateral sinus lift is more invasive, requiring a larger incision. It is suitable for cases of severe bone loss in the jaw when significant volume increase (more than 4–5 mm) is required.
Is sinus lift safe?
Yes, the procedure is safe. However, like any surgical intervention, it carries a risk of infection. This is why careful postoperative care is essential.