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Sinus Lift Surgery in Abu Dhabi
Starting price. The final cost depends on your case and is confirmed in a written plan after the consultation.
When you need a sinus lift before dental implants
A sinus lift may be needed when there is not enough bone height under the sinus to hold an implant. This usually happens in the upper jaw where the back teeth (molars and premolars) used to be. The doctor decides whether you need it after a CBCT scan.
The maxillary sinus is an air space in the upper jaw, just above the roots of the back teeth. After these teeth are lost, the bone under the sinus slowly becomes lower. The sinus can also become larger over time. As a result, there may not be enough bone to place an implant of the right length.
A dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a sinus lift in these cases:
- Back teeth in the upper jaw were removed some time ago. The bone under the sinus has become lower since then.
- The sinus is naturally large. It leaves only a thin layer of bone above the tooth roots.
- Bone was lost because of gum disease. Severe periodontitis destroys the bone that holds the teeth.
- The jaw was injured. An injury can leave too little bone in the upper back jaw.
A sinus lift is not the only option. In some cases, short or angled implants can be placed without adding bone. You can read about this on our page about dental implants without bone grafting. The doctor compares the options on your CBCT scan and explains which one suits you. If you have sinus problems, tell the doctor about them at the consultation. The doctor may ask you to see an ENT specialist before surgery.
Some people search for a “nasal lift” when looking for a sinus lift for dental implants. The dental procedure involves the maxillary sinus.
Open and closed sinus lift: what is the difference
There are two common methods of sinus lift: open and closed. In both methods, the doctor gently raises the sinus lining to create space for additional bone. Bone graft material may be used in this space. The methods differ in how the doctor reaches the sinus and how much bone they can add.
Open (lateral window) sinus lift
In an open sinus lift, the doctor makes a small window in the side wall of the sinus. This wall is reached through a cut in the gum. Through the window, the doctor lifts the sinus lining and places bone material under it. This method is used when there is very little bone under the sinus and a lot of new bone is needed.
You may see this method called a lateral, lateral wall, external or direct sinus lift. These names mean the same thing. With the open method, the implant may be placed during surgery or after the graft has healed. If the remaining bone cannot hold the implant firmly, the doctor plans a separate implant operation. You can read about two-stage implant treatment on our website.
Closed (crestal) sinus lift
In a closed sinus lift, the doctor reaches the sinus through the hole prepared for the implant. There is no window in the side of the sinus. The doctor uses special instruments to gently push the floor of the sinus up and adds bone material if needed. This method is used when only a small amount of extra bone height is needed.
You may see this method called a crestal, internal or osteotome sinus lift. With the closed method, the implant can be placed in the same visit if the remaining bone can hold it firmly.
How the two methods compare
| Open (lateral window) | Closed (crestal) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the doctor reaches the sinus | Through a small window in the side wall of the sinus | Through the hole prepared for the implant |
| When it is used | Very little bone under the sinus | Some bone is present, but not quite enough |
| Implant in the same visit | Possible if the remaining bone can hold the implant firmly | Possible if the remaining bone can hold the implant firmly |
| Time before the implant | If a separate operation is needed, the graft heals for several months first | No separate wait if the implant is placed during surgery |
| Price | Combined price-list range: AED 3,600–9,000 | Combined price-list range: AED 3,600–9,000 |
The doctor chooses the method after a CBCT scan. The choice depends on the remaining bone height, the shape of the sinus and the condition of its lining. The doctor also tells you how long you will need to wait before the implant.
Instruments for sinus lift
You may read about piezosurgery, hydraulic sinus lift or a magnetic mallet in descriptions of sinus lift techniques. These terms refer to tools and techniques a surgeon may use during an open or closed sinus lift.
Bone graft in sinus lift
When a graft is used, bone material is placed under the lifted sinus lining. The material keeps the space open while your own bone grows into it. New bone forms around the graft particles as the area heals. The material may remain partly in place, depending on its type.
Several types of bone material are used in dentistry. They include your own bone, donor bone, bone substitutes of animal origin and synthetic materials. The doctor chooses the material for your case and explains why. You can read more about each type in the section “Types of Bone Grafting and Materials Used” on our bone grafting page.
How sinus lift treatment works: stages and timeline
Sinus lift treatment usually has four stages: consultation with CBCT, surgery, healing and implant placement. If the implant is placed during the sinus lift, there is no separate implant-placement operation. The doctor tells you the exact timeline for your case.
1. Consultation and CBCT scan
The doctor examines your mouth and asks about your health and medicines. Then you have a CBCT scan. This 3D scan shows the height of the bone under the sinus and the condition of the sinus. Based on the scan, the doctor chooses the method and plans the implant.
2. Surgery
The operation is done under local anesthesia.
In an open sinus lift, the doctor makes a small cut in the gum and a small window in the side wall of the sinus. The doctor lifts the sinus lining and fills the space under it with bone material. A protective membrane may be placed over the window. Then the gum is closed with stitches.
In a closed sinus lift, the doctor prepares the hole for the implant. Through this hole, the doctor gently lifts the floor of the sinus and adds bone material if needed. The implant may be placed at this stage if the remaining bone can hold it firmly.
3. Healing
After surgery, new bone forms around the graft material. The current clinic guidance gives a healing range of 4 to 9 months. The doctor determines the timing for your case, based on the graft and the amount of bone needed. The clinic’s aftercare instructions recommend a check-up with CBCT at about 4 months. That check-up does not mean the implant will be placed at 4 months.
4. Implant placement
When the bone has healed, the doctor places the implant. If the implant was placed during the sinus lift, it needs time to heal in the bone before the crown is made. You can read more about the next steps on our dental implants page and on the page about implants for back teeth.
Sinus lift cost in Abu Dhabi
A sinus lift at True Smile costs AED 3,600–9,000. The price list gives one range for both the open and the closed method. The doctor tells you the exact price after the examination and CBCT scan.
| Price list item | Price, AED |
|---|---|
| Sinus lift (open / closed) | 3,600–9,000 |
| Bone grafting | 5,160–5,400 |
| Straumann® implant placement | 5,500–6,500 |
| Examination, diagnosis and treatment planning | 300–400 |
| CBCT scan (2 jaws) | 700 |
These are individual price-list items, rather than a quote for a complete course of treatment. The doctor will explain which items apply to your plan and what the sinus lift price includes.
You can see all prices on our price list.
Recovery after sinus lift
Pain and swelling can occur in the first few days, and your doctor will explain how to protect the sinus while it heals. You can read the clinic’s aftercare instructions after bone grafting or sinus lift. Contact the clinic promptly if symptoms worsen or concern you. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing.
Possible risks
Like any surgery, a sinus lift has risks. The main ones are a tear in the sinus lining, infection, swelling and bleeding, and slow healing. Your doctor will talk with you about the risks before the operation.
- Tear in the sinus lining. The sinus lining is thin and can tear while the doctor lifts it. The doctor plans the operation on a CBCT scan and checks the lining during surgery. If a tear happens, the doctor decides how to close it or whether to finish the sinus lift later.
- Infection. Bacteria can get into the wound or the sinus. The doctor may prescribe medicines after surgery. Careful oral hygiene and following the aftercare rules also help.
- Swelling and bleeding. Some swelling and bleeding are normal in the first days. Heavy bleeding or worsening symptoms need prompt assessment. The aftercare instructions explain when to contact the clinic.
- Slow healing. Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and not following the aftercare rules can slow healing. Before surgery, tell the doctor about your health and whether you smoke. The doctor assesses healing at follow-up visits and arranges imaging when needed.
- Sinus problems. Rarely, sinus discomfort or congestion lasts longer than expected. In that case, the doctor examines you and may refer you to an ENT specialist.
When to Contact a Dentist
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Severe or persistent pain beyond the expected healing period.
- Unusual nasal discharge, bleeding, or sinus pressure.
- Signs of infection, such as fever or persistent bad breath.
- Difficulty breathing or excessive swelling.
Why choose True Smile for sinus lift
At True Smile, a sinus lift is planned on a CBCT scan taken in our clinic. You do not need to go to another centre for the scan. Dr. Yazan Abukhalaf, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a PhD, is part of our team. The clinic is in Leaf Tower on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.
Book a consultation at True Smile to discuss your CBCT findings, treatment options and cost.
Cost for Sinus Lift Surgery in Abu Dhabi
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We answer frequently asked questions
A sinus lift is an operation that adds bone under the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw. It is done when there is not enough bone height to place a dental implant where the back teeth used to be. The operation is also called sinus augmentation, sinus elevation or sinus graft.
A sinus lift is done by one of two methods. In an open sinus lift, the doctor makes a small window in the side wall of the sinus. Through it, the doctor lifts the sinus lining and places bone material under it. In a closed sinus lift, the doctor lifts the floor of the sinus through the hole prepared for the implant. The doctor chooses the method after a CBCT scan.
A sinus lift may be needed when there is not enough bone height under the sinus to hold an implant. This often happens after the loss of upper back teeth, with a large sinus, after severe gum disease or after an injury. The doctor decides whether you need a sinus lift after a CBCT scan.
A sinus lift aims to increase bone height for an implant in the upper back jaw. Without enough bone, an implant of the right length would reach into the sinus. In some cases, short or angled implants are an alternative to a sinus lift.
Pain and swelling can occur during the first few days. Bone healing takes several months, and your doctor will explain the timeline. Follow the clinic’s aftercare instructions and contact the clinic if symptoms worsen or concern you.
The main risks are a tear in the sinus lining, infection, swelling and bleeding, and slow healing. Rarely, sinus discomfort lasts longer than expected. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes can slow healing. Your doctor will explain the risks for your case before the operation.
The result of a sinus lift depends on how much bone you have, the method, your general health and whether you smoke. The doctor assesses healing at follow-up visits and uses imaging when needed before planning the next stage. If there is not enough bone, the doctor explains the next steps.
An implant can be placed during either method if the remaining bone can hold it firmly. If it cannot, the graft needs to heal before a separate implant operation. The doctor plans the timing after assessing your CBCT scan.
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