Sinus Lift & Bone Grafting in Gibraltar
If there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to support a dental implant, a sinus lift or bone graft may help create the bone volume needed for stable implant placement.
At Tafur Dental Clinic Gibraltar, each case is assessed individually. Depending on the amount of remaining bone, the position of the sinus and the implant treatment required, different sinus augmentation and bone-regeneration techniques may be considered.
Your treatment plan is confirmed after clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging.
What is a sinus lift?
The maxillary sinuses sit above the back teeth of the upper jaw. When the natural bone between the mouth and the sinus is too shallow to support a dental implant, the sinus membrane can be carefully elevated and bone graft material placed beneath it.
The aim is to create sufficient bone volume for implant treatment. The technique used depends on your anatomy, the amount of existing bone and the amount of additional bone required.
Types of sinus lift
A sinus lift is not one single procedure. Different approaches can be used depending on how much bone remains and how much augmentation is required.
Internal Sinus Lift
Also known as a crestal sinus lift
An internal sinus lift is performed through the implant site. It may be considered when some natural bone remains and only a relatively limited increase in bone height is required.
Because access is made through the implant site, it is generally less extensive than a lateral-window approach.
Lateral Sinus Lift
Caldwell-Luc / lateral-window approach
When considerably more bone height is required, access can be made through the side of the upper jaw. The sinus membrane is carefully elevated and graft material is placed beneath it.
This technique can provide greater augmentation where the remaining bone is not sufficient for a more conservative internal approach.
DIVA Sinus Elevation
Minimally invasive option for selected cases
The DIVA system provides another method of sinus elevation in suitable implant cases. It allows sinus elevation and delivery of bone substitute through the implant system itself.
Learn about DIVA implants →Which sinus lift do I need?
There is no single sinus-lift technique that is right for every patient. The decision depends on the amount and quality of bone that remains, the position of the sinus and the implant treatment being planned.
Diagnostic imaging allows the clinician to assess the available bone before deciding whether an internal sinus lift, lateral sinus lift, another bone-regeneration technique or an alternative implant approach is more appropriate.
We assess:
- Remaining bone height
- Bone width and volume
- Sinus anatomy
- Number and position of implants
- Amount of augmentation required
- Whether implant placement can be combined with grafting
Can the implant be placed at the same time as the sinus lift?
Sometimes.
If there is enough existing bone to provide initial stability for the dental implant, sinus augmentation and implant placement may be carried out during the same surgical treatment.
If there is not enough stable bone, the sinus augmentation may need to heal first. Implant placement can then be performed at a later stage once sufficient bone integration has taken place.
The correct sequence can only be determined after your individual assessment.Bone grafting & bone regeneration
Lack of bone around an implant site does not always involve the sinus. Bone can also be deficient in width, height or around a specific area where a tooth has been lost.
Bone Regeneration
Bone graft material can be used to rebuild areas where the available bone volume is insufficient for implant treatment.
Guided Bone Regeneration
In appropriate cases, regenerative materials and membranes can be used to protect and stabilise the area while new bone develops.
Combined Procedures
Bone augmentation may sometimes be carried out together with implant placement, while other cases require a separate healing period first.
Your sinus lift treatment pathway
Assessment & imaging
We assess your bone levels, sinus anatomy and proposed implant position before recommending a treatment approach.
Treatment planning
Your dentist explains whether bone augmentation is necessary, which technique is suitable and whether the implant can be placed during the same procedure.
Sinus lift or bone graft
The planned augmentation procedure is performed using the approach selected for your individual anatomy and implant requirements.
Implant placement
Implants may be placed during the same procedure in suitable cases, or after the grafted area has healed sufficiently.
Restoring your teeth
Once implant stability and integration allow, the implant treatment can proceed to the planned temporary or final dental restoration.
What if I have very little upper-jaw bone?
A conventional sinus lift is not the only possible solution. In selected cases, alternative implant techniques may be considered depending on the amount of bone loss and the type of fixed restoration required.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are longer implants anchored in the zygomatic (cheek) bone and may be considered for selected patients with severe loss of bone in the upper jaw.
Learn about zygomatic implants →Sinus lift FAQs
What is the difference between an internal and lateral sinus lift?
An internal sinus lift accesses the sinus through the implant site and is generally considered where less additional bone height is required. A lateral sinus lift uses an opening through the side of the upper jaw and allows a greater volume of augmentation where necessary.
Do I always need a sinus lift before an upper dental implant?
No. A sinus lift is only considered when there is insufficient bone in the relevant part of the upper jaw to support the planned implant.
Can an implant and sinus lift be done together?
In suitable cases, yes. If enough natural bone remains to stabilise the implant initially, implant placement and sinus augmentation may be performed during the same treatment. Other cases require healing first.
How long does a sinus lift take to heal?
Healing time varies according to the amount of grafting performed, the technique used and the individual patient. Your dentist will explain the expected timeframe after assessing your case.
Is a sinus lift painful?
The procedure is carried out with local anaesthesia. Some swelling, pressure or discomfort can occur during the early healing period, and your dentist will provide post-operative instructions appropriate to your treatment.
What happens if I do not have enough bone for dental implants?
Depending on where the bone is deficient, treatment may involve a sinus lift, bone regeneration, guided bone regeneration or another implant approach. The correct option depends on your individual anatomy.
Not enough bone for a dental implant?
We can assess the available bone and explain whether a sinus lift, bone graft or another implant approach may be appropriate for you.