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Sinus Lift in Klaipėda

Open (lateral) sinus lift surgery to build up upper jaw bone before implant placement at Miško Clinic in Klaipėda. For patients left with too little bone in the upper back jaw for implants.

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What is sinus lift in?

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that builds up bone tissue in the back part of the upper jaw (above the roots of the premolars and molars) so that implants can be placed. It is needed when the height of the natural bone is too low, usually less than 5 to 7 mm.

During the procedure a small window of bone is created in the side wall of the jaw, the thin Schneiderian (sinus) membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed into the space created (usually certified Bio-Oss or an equivalent xenogeneic material, covered with a Bio-Gide collagen membrane). Over 4 to 6 months the material integrates into your own bone.

At Miško Clinic the open (lateral) sinus lift is our choice when a lot of bone is missing. In cases where only a few millimetres are lacking, a closed (osteotome) technique performed together with implant placement may be enough. The surgery is carried out by oral and maxillofacial surgeon Donatas Kubilius, always preceded by a 3D CBCT scan.

When is it needed?

  • Long-missing upper back teeth: the bone has shrunk over time.
  • A 3D CBCT scan shows too little bone height: less than 5 to 7 mm to place an implant.
  • An anatomically large sinus: pressing down into the jaw.
  • Implants planned in the upper back jaw: where the premolars or molars sit.
  • After a complex extraction: too little bone is left for further restoration.
  • After a failed implant: when the first implant did not integrate due to a lack of bone.
  • To avoid overly short implants: which may lose stability over the long term.

How the procedure works

  1. 1

    Consultation and 3D CBCT

    The scan shows the exact bone height, the sinus anatomy and the path of the nerves.

  2. 2

    Drawing up the plan

    We agree whether implants will be placed during the same surgery or after 4 to 6 months.

  3. 3

    Preparatory medication

    Prophylactic antibiotics if needed, sedatives if you are anxious.

  4. 4

    Local anaesthetic

    A sterile working environment; the surgical area is fully numbed.

  5. 5

    Lateral approach

    A small bone window is created in the side wall of the jaw.

  6. 6

    Lifting the Schneiderian membrane

    The thin sinus membrane is gently lifted with special instruments, using loupes or a microscope.

  7. 7

    Placing the bone material

    Bio-Oss (or an equivalent) bone graft material is placed into the space created.

  8. 8

    Membrane and sutures

    The working area is covered with a Bio-Gide collagen membrane and closed with dissolvable sutures.

Sinus lift techniques compared

FeatureOpen (lateral)Closed (osteotome)
When usedA lot of bone missing, less than 5 mm remainingLittle bone missing, 6 to 8 mm remaining
InvasivenessHigher: gum incision, bone window on the sideLower: approach through the planned implant site
Done with implant placementUsually in stages: first the sinus lift, implants after 4 to 6 monthsIn one surgery together with the implant
Healing timeSwelling 5 to 7 days, bone maturation 4 to 6 monthsSwelling 2 to 3 days, bone maturation 3 to 4 months
Our choiceWhen a lot of bone is missing, the preferred technique for a lasting resultSuitable only for minor cases; we choose open when in doubt

Sinus Lift in cost

  • Open sinus lift surgerywith Bio-Oss material and Bio-Gide membrane500 €
  • Osstem implantseparately550 €
  • Straumann Roxolid SLA implantseparately650 €
  • Zirconia crown on an implant (Osstem)500 €
  • Zirconia crown on an implant (Straumann)550 €

You can find the full price list here. We confirm the exact price after an examination.

Aftercare following sinus lift surgery

For the first day after a sinus lift it is important to protect the surgical area and let the blood clot form. Swelling peaks on day 2 to 3 and gradually eases over a week. Pain is usually mild and relieved with standard medication.

  • For 2 weeks avoid: sneezing with your nose pinched (sneeze with your mouth open), blowing into a tube, diving underwater, flying.
  • Blow your nose very gently and do not put pressure on the operated side.
  • For the first week eat soft food and do not chew on the operated side.
  • Use a cold compress on the outside in the first hours to reduce swelling.
  • If antibiotics are prescribed, take the full course.
  • Postpone sport for 2 weeks.
  • Smoking impairs post-operative healing; you must not smoke for at least 2 weeks.

Follow-up visit after 7 to 10 days: we remove sutures (if non-dissolvable) and check the healing. After 4 to 6 months, once the bone has matured, we take a follow-up 3D scan and, if there is enough bone, place the implants.

After the implants integrate we wait a further 3 to 6 months before the crowns. You can find all prices in the price list.

Why choose Miško Dental Clinic for a sinus lift

  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Donatas Kubilius: sinus lift surgery is performed by a surgeon for whom this is everyday work, not an amateur dentist.
  • 3D CBCT is mandatory: we do not plan a sinus lift without a scan; this is a standard, not an option.
  • Bio-Oss and Bio-Gide: Geistlich materials, clinically proven in the EU, with long-term studies.
  • Loupes and a microscope: the Schneiderian membrane is as thin as paper, and magnification lowers the risk of perforation.
  • The classic scheme, not the fast one: after surgery we wait 4 to 6 months for the bone to mature, and only then the implants. More reliable over the long term.

Dentist Lauras Smilgevičius on sinus lift:

First I want to explain to the patient what is actually happening. In the back part of the upper jaw, above the roots, there is an air cavity: the maxillary sinus. When teeth are removed and the bone is not loaded for a long time, it shrinks. To place an implant, you need at least 8 to 10 millimetres of bone height. Sometimes only 2 to 3 millimetres remain. A sinus lift is then necessary.

The surgery is detailed work. We create a small bone window in the side of the jaw, separate the inner sinus membrane (it is as thin as paper, so loupes or a microscope help a great deal here) and place bone graft material into the space created. After a few months there is real bone there, on which an implant can be placed.

Before surgery we always take a 3D CBCT scan: such a procedure cannot be planned without it. After surgery we wait 4 to 6 months for the bone to mature, and then we place the implants. Not a fast route, but a lasting result.

Sinus Lift in: frequently asked questions

How much does sinus lift surgery cost?
Open sinus lift surgery at Miško Clinic costs 500 €. The price includes the surgery itself, the graft material (Bio-Oss or equivalent), the collagen membrane, the suturing and a post-operative visit. The 3D CBCT scan, implant placement and crowns are separate services. See the full dental price list.
Is a sinus lift painful?
You will not feel pain during the procedure: the surgery is done under local anaesthetic, and for very anxious patients we can offer additional sedation. In the post-operative period there is mild swelling, slight pain and minor discomfort for a few days, controlled with simple painkillers. Most patients return to their usual rhythm within 3 to 5 days.
How long does the surgery itself take?
A single sinus lift takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. If the bone height allows, implants can be placed during the same surgery (simultaneous placement). If a lot of bone is missing, the implants are placed later, once the bone has matured.
When can implants be placed after a sinus lift?
After an open (lateral) sinus lift we wait 4 to 6 months for the graft material to integrate and turn into real bone. We then take a follow-up 3D scan and, if there is enough bone, place the implants. After the implants integrate (a further 3 to 6 months) we place the crowns.
What bone material is used?
We most often use a certified xenogeneic material of animal origin (for example Bio-Oss Geistlich) or a synthetic material with a Bio-Gide collagen membrane. They are clinically proven in the EU, studied in digital research and replaced over time by the patient's own bone. We discuss the choice of material individually.
What complications are possible and how do you avoid them?
The most common possible complication is perforation of the Schneiderian membrane. With careful 3D planning, the use of loupes or a microscope and slow, cautious work, the likelihood is reduced to a minimum. Less often sinusitis or infection of the graft material occurs; for this we use prophylactic antibiotic therapy and clear post-operative instructions.
What restrictions apply in the first weeks after surgery?
For 2 weeks you should avoid: sneezing with your nose pinched (sneeze with your mouth open), blowing into a tube, diving underwater and flying. You can return to intense sport after 2 weeks. For the first week eat soft food and do not chew on the operated side.
Can I smoke after a sinus lift?
Smoking markedly impairs post-operative healing and bone formation. You must not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery, and for the whole implant healing period (up to 6 months) we advise reducing smoking to a minimum or taking the chance to quit. If you cannot stop completely, tell us openly: we adapt the treatment plan to reality.
What is the difference between the open and closed sinus lift techniques?
The open (lateral) technique is performed through a bone window in the side wall of the jaw, when a lot of bone is missing (less than 5 mm). The closed (osteotome) technique is performed through the planned implant site, when little bone is missing (6 to 8 mm), and allows the implant to be placed straight away. Which suits you is decided after a 3D CBCT analysis.
Can a sinus lift be done on both sides at the same time?
Technically it is possible, but we do not advise it on a planned basis: healing becomes more uncomfortable, chewing is harder and the swelling load is greater. We usually operate on one side, wait 2 to 4 weeks, then operate on the other. This is decided individually.
Will my face shape change after surgery?
No, a sinus lift is performed internally and has no effect on the external shape of the face. The swelling visible in the first days is temporary and passes on its own within 5 to 7 days. Your facial proportions stay the same as before the surgery.
Who performs the surgery at Miško Clinic?
The sinus lift surgery, and later the implant placement, is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeon Donatas Kubilius, who has extensive experience in this field. The crown part is completed by Dr Lauras Smilgevičius. You can read more about the team on the about us page.

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