How long does healing take after a sinus lift?

After an open sinus lift, the bone material requires 4–6 months to integrate before implants can be placed. With a closed sinus lift and simultaneous implant placement, this waiting period is eliminated — osseointegration of the implant then takes 3–4 months. A follow-up CBCT scan confirms complete healing before implant insertion.

Is a sinus lift painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia or sedation and is pain-free during treatment. Afterwards, swelling, mild pressure sensations and occasional nosebleeds are normal for 3–7 days. Cooling, pain medication and antibiotics (as needed) are effective. Most patients are able to return to work after 1–2 days.

Does health insurance cover the cost of a sinus lift?

In Austria, a sinus lift is generally not covered by statutory health insurance, as it is considered a private service. Supplementary private dental insurance may reimburse part of the costs depending on the policy. Before taking out insurance, always request written confirmation of the exact benefits covered.

Can the sinus lift and implant placement be performed at the same time?

With a closed sinus lift (transalveolar approach), yes — if the bone height is at least 4–5 mm, the implant can be placed in the same session. With an open sinus lift, when bone volume is very limited (under 4 mm), separate implant placement after full healing (4–6 months) is necessary. When residual bone is sufficient (over 4 mm), simultaneous implant placement is also possible with an open sinus lift.

What bone material is used in a sinus lift?

The most commonly used material is xenogeneic bone substitute (Bio-Oss® from bovine bone) — it is well tolerated, slowly resorbed and provides a stable scaffold for new bone formation. Alternatively, autologous bone (harvested from the patient, e.g. from the chin or lower jaw) is used, which is considered the biologically highest-quality material. Combinations of both materials are also possible.

What are the most common complications of a sinus lift?

The most common complication is perforation of the sinus membrane (in approximately 10–25% of cases). Experienced surgeons can repair small perforations directly. Other possible complications include: postoperative sinusitis (rare), infection of the augmentation material (1–3%) and implant loss (2–5%). The success rate of sinus lift implants is over 90% after 5 years.

Patient Guide A3 approx. 12 min.

Sinus Lift Vienna: What patients should know

When is sinus floor augmentation necessary? Open vs. closed sinus lift, materials, procedure, risks and costs — explained independently and evidence-based.

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Contents of this guide

When is a sinus lift necessary?

In the posterior upper jaw, the floor of the maxillary sinus limits the available bone volume. After tooth loss, the bone gradually resorbs — because it is no longer subjected to load. Once the remaining bone height is insufficient to securely anchor an implant, sinus floor augmentation (sinus lift) becomes necessary. The remaining bone height determines the appropriate approach:

< 4 mm

Open sinus lift required

Very limited bone volume — extensive augmentation via a lateral approach is necessary. Implant placement only after complete healing (4–6 months).

4–8 mm

Closed sinus lift possible

Sufficient residual bone for minimally invasive elevation through the implant socket — simultaneous implant placement in the same session is often possible.

> 8 mm

Implant without sinus lift

Adequate bone height available — the implant can be placed directly without a preparatory sinus lift.

Important: Exact bone height and sinus anatomy can only be reliably determined by a 3D X-ray (CBCT — cone beam computed tomography). A conventional panoramic X-ray is not sufficient for sinus lift planning.

Open vs. closed sinus lift

Both methods share the same goal: elevating the sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) and placing bone material to create sufficient bone for implant anchorage. The key difference lies in the surgical access and the amount of residual bone available.

Open sinus lift (lateral approach)

Access via a lateral window in the sinus wall

Indicated when bone height is less than 4–5 mm

Large-volume augmentation possible

Healing time of 4–6 months before implant placement

Higher predictability in cases of severe bone deficiency

Procedure duration: 60–90 minutes

Success rate: 90–95% after 5 years (implants on augmented bone)

Closed sinus lift (transalveolar approach)

Access through the implant socket (no separate incision)

Indicated when bone height is 4–8 mm

Minimally invasive, lower risk of swelling

Simultaneous implant placement in the same session is often possible

Faster healing, shorter overall treatment time

Procedure duration: 30–60 minutes

Success rate: 91–96% after 5 years (comparable to open sinus lift)

Bone materials compared

The material used in a sinus lift depends on the extent of the bone deficit, patient preferences and the clinical findings. Click on a material for details.

Origin

Bovine (cattle) bone, deproteinised

Resorption

Very slow (5–10 years)

Advantages

Well tolerated, biocompatible

Stable scaffold structure

No second surgical site required

Extensive clinical evidence

Disadvantages

✕Animal-derived material

✕Slow resorption

Typical use: Standard material for sinus lift

Collagen membrane: Regardless of the bone material used, the augmentation area is covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. It prevents soft tissue ingrowth and stabilises the bone material during the healing phase.

Treatment process in 6 steps

Initial examination & medical history

Comprehensive medical history (medications, pre-existing conditions, smoking). Clinical examination, periodontal status, occlusion assessment.

3D diagnostics (CBCT)

Cone beam computed tomography for precise measurement of bone height, sinus structure, membrane course and anatomical variants (septa, sinus dimensions).

Treatment planning

Selection of method (open/closed), choice of material, decision on simultaneous or staged implant placement. Written treatment and cost plan provided.

Sinus lift procedure

Performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. Membrane elevation, placement of bone material, sealing with a collagen membrane. Duration: 45–90 minutes.

Healing phase & check-ups

Follow-up appointments after 1 week (suture removal), 4 weeks and 3 months. CBCT check after 4–6 months (open sinus lift) or after 3 months (closed sinus lift with implant).

Implant placement & final crown

Implant insertion after complete healing. Osseointegration: 3–4 months. Then impressions and crown restoration. Total treatment duration: 8–14 months.

Total duration: From the initial examination to the definitive crown restoration, an open sinus lift typically takes 10–14 months. With a closed sinus lift and simultaneous implant placement, the total time is 6–9 months.

Risks & contraindications

Possible complications

10–25%

Membrane perforation

Most common complication; small perforations can be repaired directly during surgery

1–3%

Postoperative sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinus cavity; antibiotics and follow-up care are important

1–3%

Infection of the augmentation material

Risk is increased in smokers and patients with poor oral hygiene

2–5%

Implant loss

On augmented bone; comparable to implants placed without augmentation

Checklist: What should be clarified in advance?

Tap an item to check it off.

All prices stated on this page are average market reference values for the Austrian market (as of 2025). These are expressly not fixed prices of the Institute or any specific practice. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on clinical findings, scope of treatment, chosen material, and the individual practice. Binding cost information is available exclusively through a personalised treatment cost estimate (Heilkostenplan) from your treating dentist.

Further Guides

Guide

Bone augmentation: When is it necessary?

Augmentation before implants

Guide

Dental implant: What you should know beforehand

Complete patient guide

Service

Bone augmentation at IIDZ Vienna

Augmentation and sinus lift

Clinical Partner

Consultation at Smile4Life

For a clinical assessment of your individual situation — in Vienna, 1010.

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Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.

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