Sinus lift
If you’ve been told you need a sinus lift before getting upper-back implants, here’s exactly what it involves — explained clearly, with no jargon. Dr Ali Matin performs both crestal and lateral sinus lifts in-house in the Perth CBD, from $1,000, as part of one continuous implant journey with no referrals out.
A sinus lift is one of the most common procedures needed before placing implants in the upper back jaw. Many Perth patients are told they need one but never get a clear explanation of why, what happens, or how long it adds to treatment. This page answers all three.
What Is a Sinus Lift?
A sinus lift (also called sinus augmentation or sinus elevation) is a bone-grafting procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the premolars and molars — the space just below the maxillary sinuses, the air-filled cavities behind your cheeks. It creates the bone height needed to securely place implants where there currently isn’t enough.
Why Might You Need One?
The upper back jaw is the trickiest area for implants for two reasons. First, the sinus sits low: when upper back teeth are lost, the maxillary sinus often expands downward into the space where the tooth roots used to be. Second, bone shrinks: as elsewhere, the jawbone resorbs after tooth loss. Together, these can leave too little bone height between the top of the jaw and the floor of the sinus to anchor an implant. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material underneath, rebuilding that height.
The Two Types of Sinus Lift
1. Crestal (internal) sinus lift — minimally invasive. Performed through the implant site itself, with no separate window. The sinus floor is gently raised a small amount and graft material added. Best when only a modest increase in bone height is needed, and it can often be done at the same time as implant placement. From $1,000.
2. Lateral window sinus lift — for larger augmentation. A small access “window” is made in the side of the jaw to lift the sinus membrane and place a larger volume of graft material. Used when more significant bone height is needed. Implants may be placed at the same time or after healing, depending on your bone. From $3,000.
Dr Matin performs both techniques in-house and will recommend the least invasive option that will work for your case.
The Procedure — Step by Step
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- 3D CBCT scan & planning. Your sinus anatomy and bone height are mapped precisely so the approach is planned in advance.
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- Anaesthesia. Performed under local anaesthesia; sedation options can be discussed for anxious patients.
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- Accessing & lifting the membrane. Depending on the approach, the sinus membrane is gently lifted to create space.
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- Placing the graft. Bone graft material is added beneath the membrane to build the needed height.
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- Closing. The site is closed with sutures. A crestal lift is typically quicker; a lateral window takes a little longer.
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- Healing & integration. The graft matures over several months before (or alongside) implant placement.
Recovery From a Sinus Lift
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- First few days: mild swelling and minor bleeding or nasal discharge can occur; managed with prescribed pain relief and, where needed, antibiotics.
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- Aftercare: avoid blowing your nose forcefully, sneeze with your mouth open, and skip strenuous activity, straws and flying for a short period (you’ll get specific instructions).
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- Healing: initial soft-tissue healing takes about 7–10 days; full integration of the graft into solid bone takes several months before that area is ready to support an implant.
How Much Does a Sinus Lift Cost in Perth?
| Type | From |
|---|---|
| Crestal / internal sinus lift | $1,000 |
| Lateral window sinus lift | $3,000 |
Across Perth, sinus lifts commonly range from roughly $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on the approach and the volume of bone required. At Perth Prime Dental it’s itemised separately from your implant — never buried in a package — and confirmed in writing after your 3D scan. Payment plans and superannuation release may help. Pricing is a guide only and confirmed after assessment.
Why Choose Dr Matin for a Sinus Lift
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- Both techniques in-house — crestal and lateral — by one experienced dentist, as part of your overall implant plan. No referral to a separate surgeon, then back again.
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- Advanced bone-regeneration training (Urban Institute, Budapest) and 20+ years of implant experience.
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- 3D-planned and clearly explained — you’ll understand why it’s needed, what happens, and how it fits your timeline before you commit.
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- Transparent, itemised pricing.
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- Clinical Assurance on implants Dr Matin places (subject to assessment and ongoing review/maintenance).
Risks & Complications (Full Disclosure)
A sinus lift is a well-established, predictable procedure, and serious complications are uncommon. As with any surgery, possible risks include: perforation of the sinus membrane (usually repairable during the procedure), infection, sinus inflammation (sinusitis), graft not integrating, swelling or bruising, and — rarely — bleeding. Dr Matin discusses these fully at your consultation and takes steps to minimise them through 3D planning and careful technique. Reported success rates for sinus augmentation are high, but individual outcomes vary.
Book Your FREE Complimentary Consultation
No obligation, no pressure — just honest advice from an experienced implant dentist. Call (08) 9325 4175, book online, or chat with one of our dentists on WhatsApp — real human responses, typically the same day. We’re at 1/58 St Georges Terrace (London Court Practice), Perth CBD WA 6000.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s done under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during surgery. Afterward, most patients report mild to moderate discomfort and swelling for a few days, managed with standard pain relief. Many describe it as easier than expected. Experiences vary.
Soft tissue settles in about 7–10 days; the graft itself integrates into solid bone over several months before that area can support an implant.
Often, yes — especially with a crestal lift when enough starting bone is present. A lateral window with significant grafting sometimes needs to heal first. Your 3D scan decides.
No — it doesn’t change how your sinuses function. It only adds bone below the sinus floor. Temporary congestion during healing is possible.
Briefly avoid forceful nose-blowing, straws, smoking, flying and strenuous exercise — you’ll get a clear, specific aftercare list.
Only a 3D CBCT scan can confirm it. If you’ve been told you need a sinus lift, a second opinion with a scan is a good idea — sometimes a less invasive approach is possible.
