Sinus lifting in Turkey — preparing the upper jaw for dental implants
Sinus lifting (or sinus augmentation) is a surgical procedure that adds height of bone beneath the sinus floor so dental implants can be placed safely in the upper back jaw. It is the answer when your CBCT scan shows you do not have enough vertical bone for standard implants in the upper molar region — and it is a routine part of many UK and Irish patients’ implant journey in Antalya.
Why sinus lifting is sometimes needed
The upper back jaw sits directly beneath the maxillary sinus cavities. When teeth in that area are lost, the bone below the sinus tends to shrink over time, leaving too little vertical height for a standard dental implant. Placing an implant into reduced bone would risk perforating the sinus membrane and compromising integration. The sinus lift procedure gently raises that membrane and adds bone graft material in the space, giving the implant a stable foundation to anchor into.
Who needs a sinus lift
Patients typically need a sinus lift when they have lost upper back teeth years ago, have worn dentures in the upper jaw for a long time, or have a naturally thin bone structure in that region. A CBCT 3D scan is the only way to know for sure. Many UK and Irish patients discover the need for a sinus lift only when their full implant plan is drawn up — we spot it during the remote consultation and price it transparently up front.
UK vs Turkey — sinus lift costs (2026)
| Procedure | Typical UK private cost | Amazing Smile Turkey guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral-window sinus lift | £2,000–£3,500 | Typically 50–70% less |
| Crestal (internal) sinus lift | £800–£1,500 | Bundled with implant |
| Sinus lift + implant (same session) | Add full implant cost | Combined package |
| Bone graft material | £300–£600 | Included |
How the procedure works
There are two standard techniques. The crestal (internal) approach is used when only a small amount of extra bone height is needed — the surgeon adds graft through the implant socket itself, usually at the same appointment as implant placement, with minimal disruption. The lateral-window approach is used when a larger augmentation is needed — a small window is made in the bone above the gum, the sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and graft material is packed into the space. Either way, the procedure is done under local anaesthesia with optional sedation and takes 45–90 minutes. Post-operative swelling is mild and settles within 3–5 days.
Timeline and implant integration
When a sinus lift is done at the same time as the implant (crestal approach), you follow a standard implant healing timeline of 3–6 months. When a larger lateral-window lift is needed, we usually wait 4–6 months for the graft to mature before placing the implant — meaning your full treatment becomes a two-trip protocol. We plan this honestly up front so your travel expectations match the clinical reality.
Related treatments
- Dental implants — full guide
- Zygomatic implants (alternative for severe bone loss)
- All-on-4 dental implants
- All-on-6 dental implants
Frequently asked questions
- Is sinus lifting painful?
- The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with optional sedation and is not painful. Post-operative discomfort is mild and managed with standard prescription pain relief for 2–3 days.
- How long does sinus lifting surgery take?
- The procedure itself takes 45–90 minutes depending on technique. You are at the clinic for roughly half a day including pre-op preparation.
- Do I definitely need a sinus lift?
- Only a CBCT 3D scan can tell for certain. Many UK and Irish patients do not need one; others need a small crestal lift at the same time as the implant; a minority need a full lateral-window lift in advance.
- How much does sinus lifting cost in Turkey compared with the UK?
- A lateral-window sinus lift privately in the UK is typically £2,000–£3,500. At Amazing Smile Turkey the same procedure is usually 50–70% less, and is often bundled with the implant treatment package.
- Can the implant be placed at the same time as the sinus lift?
- Often yes, with the crestal (internal) technique. Larger lateral-window lifts usually require 4–6 months of healing before the implant is placed, making treatment a two-trip plan.
- What bone graft material is used?
- We use internationally recognised graft materials: synthetic, allograft or xenograft depending on the case. Your specific material is confirmed on your written treatment plan.
- Are there risks to sinus lifting?
- As with any surgical procedure there are risks, but sinus lifting is routine and complications are uncommon in experienced hands. The main risk is small perforation of the sinus membrane, which is managed intra-operatively.
- How long is recovery after a sinus lift?
- Mild swelling and slight bruising for 3–5 days is typical. We ask you to avoid blowing your nose forcefully, flying immediately after surgery and strenuous exercise for the first two weeks.
- Is sinus lifting covered by the written guarantee?
- Yes. Sinus lifting done as part of an implant plan at Amazing Smile Turkey is covered within the written treatment and guarantee document issued with your case.
- Can I avoid a sinus lift with zygomatic implants?
- In cases of severe upper-jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone can bypass the need for sinus grafting entirely. Your specialist will advise whether zygomatic is a better route for your specific case.
Ready to start? Request a free remote consultation and written quote today.





