Implant surgery · Bone for implants

Sinus lift surgery in Istanbul, Turkey Adding bone under the sinus when the upper back jaw is too thin to hold a dental implant.

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Dental X-ray and 3D imaging room at İkon Dental Bahçeşehir, a dental clinic in Istanbul, Turkey — Sinus Lift Surgery

Treatment at a glance

How a sinus lift makes room for an implant, step by step

Sinus lift in Turkey: 3D cutaway illustration of the upper back jaw showing the sinus floor lifted, bone graft added and an implant placed

Illustration for explanation only. Whether you need a sinus lift, and which method suits you, is decided from your own 3D tomography.

In short

A sinus lift adds bone to the upper back jaw, above the premolars and molars. Here the maxillary sinus, an air space inside the cheekbone, sits just above the roots of the teeth. Its floor is covered by a thin lining. In a sinus lift that lining is gently raised and bone graft material is placed in the space beneath it. Over time the graft becomes firm bone that can hold a dental implant.

One thing patients often tell us is, "I was told there is not enough bone for an implant." After an upper back tooth is lost, the bone that held it slowly shrinks, and the sinus can extend down into the space. A sinus lift is not a treatment on its own: it is a preparation step within implant treatment, and not everyone needs one.

There are two ways to do it. A closed sinus lift works through the opening prepared for the implant, for a smaller shortfall. An open sinus lift uses a small window in the side of the jaw when there is very little bone. If your case needs a lift, your dentist explains which one and why. Your written plan states the days and visits you would need in Istanbul.

How it works — 4 steps

We look at your X-ray or photos.A free first assessment from home: does a sinus lift look likely?
You are examined in Istanbul.A 3D tomography shows how much bone there is under the sinus.
The sinus floor is lifted.Under local anaesthesia, through the implant site or a small window at the side.
The implant and teeth follow.Sometimes at the same appointment, sometimes after the graft has healed.

Purpose: Bone for an implantAdds height under the sinus where it is missing
Where: Upper back jawAbove the premolars and molars
Approach: Closed or openChosen from the bone your 3D scan shows
Anaesthesia: LocalYour dentist explains the options for your case
The implant: Same visit or laterDepends on whether the bone can hold it steady
Price: Written quotePart of your implant plan, after a dentist has seen your X-rayFlying and diving only when your dentist says so: air pressure affects the sinus

1 Before you travel · From home

A first answer before you book anything

Send a few photos of your teeth, or a panoramic X-ray if you have one, on WhatsApp or through the form. A dentist reviews them, and our international team replies in your language.

What we ask you

Photos of your teeth or a panoramic X-ray
Your general health and any medication
What bothers you most about your teeth now
Which dates could work for you

What you receive

Your treatment options, explained
A price range
The days and visits you would need in Istanbul
A final plan only after your examination

2 In Istanbul · Arrival and examination

We meet you, examine you and confirm the plan

Airport and hotel. We coordinate your airport transfer and your stay with partner hotels near the clinics, including the Sheraton Grand Istanbul Esenyurt and Days Inn by Wyndham Istanbul Esenyurt.
Examination at the clinic. Day one starts with your examination, a 3D tomography (CBCT) and a digital scan of your mouth.
The plan, in person. Your dentist goes through the images with you and confirms the plan, or explains any change and why. Treatment then follows the written plan you approve.
In your language. Our international department works in English, Arabic, French and Turkish.

3 In Istanbul · Sinus lift day

Lifting the sinus floor and adding bone

Local anaesthesia. The area is numbed first, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Your dentist explains the anaesthesia options for your case beforehand.
Closed sinus lift. When only a little height is missing, the sinus floor is gently pushed up through the opening prepared for the implant, and graft material is placed beneath it. If the bone can hold the implant steady, it often goes in at the same appointment.
Open sinus lift. When there is very little bone, the gum is opened and a small window is made in the side of the jaw. The lining is lifted from there, the space is filled with graft material, and it is usually covered with a thin protective membrane.
The sinus itself. The sinus is not removed. Only its floor is raised, a little like lifting the floor of a tent.
Stitches and instructions. The gum is closed with stitches. You go back to your hotel with cold compresses, the medication your dentist prescribes and written sinus care instructions.

4 In Istanbul · Before you fly

Sinus care and your flight home

Follow-up check. Your dentist looks at the healing and the swelling, and checks the stitches.
Sinus precautions. No forceful nose blowing, sneezing with your mouth open, no straws and no smoking, for as long as your dentist advises.
Flying. Air pressure changes in a plane affect the sinus. Your dentist advises when it is sensible for you to fly, and your plan takes that into account.

5 At home · Healing

The graft slowly turns into bone

Swelling and any bruising fade in the first weeks. After that you will not feel anything happening, but over the following months the graft is gradually replaced by your own bone. You chew away from the area and keep the sinus precautions as your dentist advises.

Your coordinator stays in touch, and your dentist is one message away if you have a question or want to send a photo.

6 In Istanbul · When the bone is ready

The implant, placed into the new bone

Bone check. Your dentist checks on new imaging that the graft has matured.
The implant is placed. Under local anaesthesia, now with enough bone around it, at the position planned from your scan.
Another healing period. The implant bonds with the bone at home before the final teeth are made. Dentists call this osseointegration.
Already have the implant? If the implant went in on sinus lift day, this visit is not needed and you go straight to your new teeth.

7 In Istanbul · Your new teeth

Your crown or bridge

Check and digital scan. Your dentist checks that the implant has healed firmly and takes a digital scan.
Fitting. The crown or bridge is fixed in place and your bite is checked carefully. How this works is explained on our dental implants page.
Cleaning routine. You are shown how to clean around the implant at home.

8 Aftercare · Back home

Looking after your new teeth

Daily cleaning and regular check-ups keep implants healthy. Routine check-ups can be done with a dentist near your home.

After you fly home, your coordinator stays in touch and your dentist is one message away for questions and follow-up.

Your treatment journey

Your sinus lift journey,
step by step.

From your first X-ray to your new teeth, one international team coordinates every step.

Step 1 / 5 · From home

Get in touch

Send a panoramic X-ray if you have one, or a few photos of your teeth, on WhatsApp or through the form. Tell us which upper back teeth are missing and whether you have ever had sinus problems. A dentist reviews them, and our international team replies in your language.

X-ray or photos on WhatsApp
Reviewed by a dentist
English · Arabic · French · Turkish

Step 2 / 5 · From home

Your written plan

You receive a written plan: whether a sinus lift looks likely or your implants could be planned another way, a price range, and the days and visits you would need in Istanbul, so you can book flights with confidence. The final plan is confirmed after your examination.

Sinus lift or an alternative, explained
Days and visits stated
Confirmed after examination

Step 4 / 5 · At the clinic

Sinus lift day

Day one starts with your examination, a 3D tomography and a digital scan, which show how much bone there is under the sinus. If your case needs a sinus lift, it is done under local anaesthesia as your written plan says, sometimes together with the implant.

CBCT & digital scan
Closed or open, as planned
Class-B sterilisation

Often a good fit if …

Upper back teeth have been missing for a long time
Your X-ray shows the sinus sitting close to the gum
A dentist has told you there is not enough bone for an implant
A full-arch plan needs implants further back in the upper jaw
You can keep up daily cleaning and check-ups

Worth discussing first if …

A full upper arch with little bone at the back → angled implants, as in All-on-4
Severe bone loss in the upper jaw → zygomatic implants
The jaw is too narrow rather than too low → a different kind of bone graft, explained in your plan
Active sinus infection or long-standing sinus trouble → treated first; your dentist may ask for an ear, nose and throat check
Heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes or active gum disease → we talk about timing first

Not sure? Send us your X-ray or a few photos. A dentist will tell you whether a sinus lift looks likely, or whether your implants could be planned another way.

Get my free assessment

Feature	Closed sinus lift	Open sinus lift	Angled or zygomatic implants
What it solves	A small shortfall in height under the sinus	Very little bone under the sinus	Works around the missing bone instead of adding it
How it is done	Through the opening prepared for the implant	Through a small window in the side of the jaw	Implants tilted, or anchored in the cheekbone
The implant	Often at the same appointment	Same appointment or after the graft has healed	Usually no wait for a graft
The first days	Usually milder	More swelling and bruising are possible	Depends on the operation
Typically used for	One or a few back teeth	Back teeth, or implants further back in a full-arch plan	Mainly a full upper arch

Dental implants Zygomatic implants All-on-4 All full-arch options

Back to everyday life

Soft, cool food	From the first day, on the other side
Work and daily routine	When you feel ready; many people rest for the first days
Blowing your nose	Only gently, as your dentist advises
Swimming, diving and heavy lifting	When your dentist says so
Flying	When your dentist says it is sensible

What you do

Sneeze with your mouth open
Dab your nose instead of blowing it
Skip straws and do not spit hard
Take your medication as your dentist explains it
Avoid smoking, which slows healing

Contact us if …

Swelling keeps getting worse instead of settling, you have a fever, a bad taste or smell comes from the area, bleeding from your mouth or nose does not stop, or small granules come out through your nose or mouth.

What you will not feel

The graft turning into bone. It happens quietly over the following months, and your dentist checks it on new imaging before the implant goes in.

A tear in the sinus lining

The lining is very thin and can tear while it is lifted. A small tear can often be repaired at the same appointment; sometimes the graft has to wait for another day.

Sinus infection

Uncommon, but possible after a lift. It usually settles with treatment; occasionally the graft has to be removed.

A graft that does not fully take

Sometimes less bone forms than planned. A second graft or a different implant plan may then be needed.

Swelling, bruising and nosebleeds

Common in the first days. They settle with rest, cold compresses and the medication your dentist prescribes.

Loose graft granules

A few small granules can come out through the mouth or nose. Tell your dentist if it happens, especially if it goes on.

More time, more visits

When the graft has to heal first, treatment takes longer and usually needs an extra visit. That is why a route without a graft is looked at first.

What changes the price

Whether a closed or an open lift is needed, on one side or both, the graft material, and the implants and crowns that follow.

What to ask for in writing

Which sinus lift is planned, and why
The graft material and implant system, by name
Whether the implant goes in at the same visit or later
The days and visits planned in Istanbul

Travel and stay

We coordinate airport transfers and accommodation with partner hotels near the clinics. Ask your coordinator what your quote includes.

If the plan changes

Sometimes the need for a sinus lift only shows on the 3D tomography at your examination. If anything changes, your dentist explains why before treatment starts.

No price is final until a dentist has examined you. Your plan is confirmed after your examination, 3D tomography and digital scan in Istanbul.

Patient storiesDental implant patients, in their own words

Patients who travelled to Istanbul for implant treatment talk about their experience. Tap a card to watch.

Rob from the Netherlands: dental implants at İkon Dental in Istanbul, Turkey (patient video review)

Adrian from Canada: dental implants at İkon Dental in Istanbul, Turkey (patient video review)

Sakir from the Netherlands: implants and zirconia at İkon Dental in Istanbul, Turkey (patient video review)

See all patient stories

Before & afterBefore and after cases from our clinics

Real cases treated at İkon. Each card names the treatment that patient had; tap a card to see more photos.

Upper-jaw smile design before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient from the Netherlands at İkon Dental — NetherlandsUpper-jaw smile design

Upper-jaw smile design before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient from the Netherlands treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — NetherlandsUpper-jaw smile design

Smile design before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient from the Netherlands at İkon Dental — NetherlandsSmile design

Smile design in Istanbul, Turkey: a patient from the Netherlands after treatment at İkon Dental — NetherlandsSmile design

Smile design with zirconia crowns before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient from the Netherlands at İkon Dental — NetherlandsSmile design with zirconia crowns

Smile design with zirconia crowns in Istanbul, Turkey: a patient from the Netherlands after treatment at İkon Dental — NetherlandsSmile design with zirconia crowns

Smile makeover before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient from Germany at İkon Dental — GermanySmile makeover

Smile makeover before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient from Germany treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — GermanySmile makeover

Treatment for missing teeth before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient from the Czech Republic at İkon Dental — Czech RepublicTreatment for missing teeth

Treatment for missing teeth before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient from the Czech Republic treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — Czech RepublicTreatment for missing teeth

Laminate veneers before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient at İkon Dental — **Laminate veneers**

Laminate veneers before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — **Laminate veneers**

Laminate veneers before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: the smile of a patient at İkon Dental — **Laminate veneers**

Zirconia crowns before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient at İkon Dental — **Zirconia crowns**

Zirconia crowns before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — **Zirconia crowns**

Zirconia crowns before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: the smile of a patient at İkon Dental — **Zirconia crowns**

Zirconia crowns, upper jaw before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient at İkon Dental — **Zirconia crowns, upper jaw**

Zirconia crowns, upper jaw before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — **Zirconia crowns, upper jaw**

Smile design before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient at İkon Dental — **Smile design**

Smile design before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — **Smile design**

Smile makeover before and after in Istanbul, Turkey: photos of a patient at İkon Dental — **Smile makeover**

Smile makeover before (top) and after (bottom), close-up: a patient treated at İkon Dental, Istanbul — **Smile makeover**

Results differ from person to person. What is possible for you depends on your own teeth, gums and bone, which your dentist assesses at the examination.

See all before and after cases

Questions about sinus lifts

The questions we hear most often. If yours is not here, ask us on WhatsApp.

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper back jaw. The thin lining of the sinus floor is raised and bone graft material is placed underneath. Once the graft has turned into firm bone, it gives a dental implant enough height to hold.

I was told there is not enough bone for implants. What now?

That is often not the end of the road. Depending on where the bone is missing, a sinus lift, another kind of bone graft, angled implants or zygomatic implants may be options. Send us your X-ray and a dentist will tell you which looks sensible for you.

What is the difference between an open and a closed sinus lift?

A closed sinus lift is done through the opening prepared for the implant and is used when only a little height is missing. An open sinus lift uses a small window in the side of the jaw and can add more height when there is very little bone. Your 3D tomography shows which one your case needs, if any.

Can the sinus lift and the implant be done on the same day?

Sometimes. If the remaining bone can hold the implant steady, both can be done at the same appointment; this is more common with a closed lift. If the bone is very thin, the graft goes in first and the implant follows on a later visit.

Does a sinus lift hurt?

It is done under local anaesthesia, so you should feel pressure rather than pain during it. Afterwards most people describe pressure, soreness and swelling for the first days, similar to having a tooth out, and your dentist prescribes medication for that.

Is a nosebleed normal after a sinus lift?

A little bleeding from the nose in the first days can happen and usually settles on its own. If bleeding does not stop, gets worse, or small granules come out through your nose, contact us.

How long do I need to stay in Istanbul, and when can I fly?

It depends on whether the sinus lift and the implant are done together, and on when your dentist is happy for you to fly, because air pressure in a plane affects the sinus. When the graft has to heal first, treatment is spread over more than one visit. Your written plan states the days and visits before you book flights.

I have sinus problems. Can I still have a sinus lift?

Tell us about them when you send your X-ray. An active infection or ongoing sinus trouble usually needs to be treated first, and your dentist may ask for a check with an ear, nose and throat doctor.

How much does a sinus lift cost in Istanbul, Turkey?

We do not publish fixed prices, because whether you need a lift, and which kind, depends on your bone. If your case needs one, it is part of your implant plan, and you receive a price range with your written plan, free and with no obligation. No price is final until a dentist has examined you.

This page is general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist.

Why İkonWhy patients choose our clinics

Treatment abroad is a big decision, so here is what you are choosing: three clinics in Istanbul, one standard of care, and an international team that stays in touch from your first message to your follow-up at home.

Reception at İkon Dental Bahçeşehir, a dental clinic in Istanbul, Turkey

Another treatment room at İkon Dental Kıraç, a dental clinic in Istanbul, Turkey

Dental X-ray and 3D imaging room at İkon Dental Kıraç, a dental clinic in Istanbul, Turkey

Sterilisation room at İkon Dental Bahçeşehir, a dental clinic in Istanbul, Turkey

2008Founded in Hadımköy

Built on one rule

İkon began as a two-chair practice. It grew into three clinics by offering only what is useful to the patient. Nothing is sold because it is profitable.

3Clinics in Istanbul

One team, one standard

All our dentists provide general dental treatment, and each brings fields of special interest from their training. Cases that need more than one field are planned together by the team.

MoHAuthorised

Approved for international patients

International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate from the Turkish Ministry of Health, for the Başakşehir and Hadımköy clinics.

4Languages spoken

Understood from the first message

Our international department works in English, Arabic, French and Turkish, from your first photo on WhatsApp to the follow-up after you fly home.

Why İkon?Our clinics Our doctors International patients

Other treatmentsWhat comes after the bone?

A sinus lift is a preparation step. These are the treatments it makes possible, and the alternatives to it.

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Your journey starts here

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Tell us what you would like to change. We reply with options, the days you would need in Istanbul and a price range. Free, and with no obligation.

Bahçeşehir

2. Kısım, Mercedes Bulvarı No:28-A D:78, 34488 Başakşehir

+90 546 690 88 10 View on map

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