Sinus Lift

A sinus lift is a regenerative surgery procedure that increases the bone height in the back of the upper arch, where the bone is often too thin to hold implants. In our Tirana clinics it is planned on the cone beam CT scan and performed by European trained implant surgeons who speak Italian and English, with minimally invasive techniques that make implantology possible even in cases that would be turned down elsewhere.

What is the maxillary sinus and why is a lift needed?

The maxillary sinuses are air filled cavities located above the upper molars and premolars. When a tooth in this area is lost, the bone beneath it shrinks and the sinus tends to expand downwards, leaving only a few millimetres of bone between the gum and the cavity. An implant needs a solid base: the sinus lift gently raises the membrane lining the cavity and fills the space with biocompatible graft material, which turns into new bone within a few months.

When is it indicated?

A sinus lift is indicated when the CT scan shows insufficient bone height below the maxillary sinus, a frequent situation in people who lost their upper molars several years ago or who wear a removable denture. It is the step that makes single implants and full rehabilitations in the upper arch possible. During the free consultation the surgeon assesses the amount of remaining bone and chooses the most suitable technique.

How is the procedure carried out in our Tirana clinics?

There are two techniques. The crestal lift, or mini lift, is performed through the hole prepared for the implant, with instruments that gently push the membrane upwards and insert the graft material; it is indicated when only a few millimetres need to be gained and almost always allows the implant to be placed in the same session. The lateral lift involves a small window in the side bone wall of the sinus, through which the surgeon raises the membrane and inserts a larger amount of graft; it is indicated when the bone is very reduced. Both take place under local anaesthesia, with sedation if you wish, and last thirty to ninety minutes.

How long is healing and how many trips are needed?

With a crestal lift and simultaneous implant the timing matches that of the implant: two stays in Tirana four to six months apart. With a lateral lift the graft needs six to nine months to mature before the implants are placed, so the journey may require one extra stay. The surgeon presents the complete schedule after the consultation, and between trips follows you by video call.

What are the advantages?

A sinus lift makes fixed teeth on implants possible even where the bone was insufficient, avoiding compromise solutions such as removable dentures or very long bridges. Modern techniques are predictable, with a very high success rate, and the post operative course is generally well tolerated, with moderate swelling for a few days. Every procedure is planned in three dimensions and documented in the written treatment plan.

What should you do after the procedure?

For a couple of weeks it is important not to blow your nose hard, to avoid sneezing with your mouth closed, diving and flying in the very first days, and to follow the prescribed antibiotic and anti inflammatory therapy. The doctor gives you written instructions in your language and remains reachable on WhatsApp throughout healing.

How much does it cost?

We do not publish prices and we do not send quotes by email, because a price given without seeing the patient's mouth is not a quote but a promise that often changes once you are in the chair. The cost of the treatment is explained by our dental surgeon and implantologist, who speaks Italian and English, after your free consultation: online by video call or directly at the clinic in Tirana. You receive the treatment plan and the cost in writing, item by item, and from that moment they do not change. No surprises, no hidden costs, no salespeople: only a doctor who explains what you really need.