Why do I need a sinus lift before dental implants?

A sinus lift is needed when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw to securely anchor dental implants. This can happen due to bone loss after tooth extraction, naturally large sinus cavities, periodontal disease, or the natural ageing process. Without sufficient bone, implants may fail or penetrate the sinus cavity.

Sinus Lift Surgery in Singapore CBD | Medisave Claimable

Q: What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift, also known as sinus augmentation or sinus floor elevation, is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area around your molars and premolars. The sinus membrane is gently lifted and bone graft material is placed beneath it, creating the bone height needed to securely support dental implants.

Q: Is a sinus lift painful?

Sinus lift surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling typically peaks around day 3 and subsides within a week.

Q: How long does sinus lift recovery take?

Initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks, during which you should maintain a soft diet and avoid blowing your nose. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Full bone integration takes 4-6 months, after which dental implants can be placed. Your dentist will monitor healing through follow-up appointments.

Q: Can I use Medisave for sinus lift surgery in Singapore?

Yes. External (lateral) sinus lift surgery is Medisave claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with a maximum claim of up to $1,950. Internal (transcrestal) sinus lifts are not Medisave claimable. Our team will advise during your consultation which approach is appropriate for your case and handle all Medisave paperwork on your behalf.

Q: How much does a sinus lift cost in Singapore?

The cost of a sinus lift in Singapore varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of bone graft material used, and whether implants are placed simultaneously. At Vera Dental, we provide transparent pricing during your consultation and help maximise your Medisave claims to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Q: Can a dental implant be placed at the same time as a sinus lift?

In some cases, if there is enough existing bone to stabilise the implant, a dental implant can be placed at the same time as the sinus lift. This depends on the amount of bone originally available and will be assessed during your consultation with a CBCT scan. If not, implants are placed after the bone graft has fully integrated — typically 4-6 months later.

Q: What is the difference between a lateral and transcrestal sinus lift?

A lateral (external) sinus lift involves creating a small window in the side of the jawbone to access the sinus membrane. It is used when significant bone augmentation is needed. A transcrestal (internal) sinus lift is less invasive, accessing the sinus through the implant site itself. It is suitable when only a small amount of additional bone height is required.

Q: What are the risks of sinus lift surgery?

Sinus lift surgery is a well-established procedure with predictable outcomes. Potential risks include sinus membrane perforation (which can be repaired during surgery), infection, minor bleeding, and temporary sinus congestion. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced dentist with proper diagnostic imaging.

Q: Do I need a sinus lift or can I get short implants instead?

Short implants may be an alternative in some cases where bone height is limited but not severely deficient. However, shorter implants may carry different long-term considerations. Your dentist will evaluate your specific anatomy using CBCT imaging and recommend the approach that offers the most predictable long-term result for your situation.

Understanding the Procedure

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift — also known as sinus augmentation or sinus floor elevation — is a surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area around your molars and premolars.

Your maxillary sinuses sit just above the roots of your upper back teeth. When there isn't enough bone height between your jaw and the sinus floor, dental implants cannot be securely anchored. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material beneath it — building up the height and density your jaw needs.

Once the grafted bone integrates with your natural jawbone over 4 to 6 months, you'll have a strong, stable foundation ready for dental implant placement.

Do I Need a Sinus Lift?

Why a sinus lift might be necessary

Several conditions can leave the upper jaw without enough bone to support dental implants. If any of these apply to you, a sinus lift may be recommended.

Long-term tooth loss

When upper back teeth have been missing for months or years, the bone in that area gradually resorbs. The longer the gap, the more bone is lost — making a sinus lift essential before implant placement.

Naturally large sinuses

Some people are born with maxillary sinuses that sit very close to the upper jaw. This anatomical variation means there simply isn't enough bone height for implants without sinus floor elevation.

Periodontal disease

Advanced gum disease attacks both the soft tissue and the jawbone that supports your teeth. If periodontal disease has eroded the bone around your upper molars, a sinus lift can rebuild what was lost.

Failed previous implants

If a previous dental implant in the upper jaw did not integrate properly, or if bone was lost around an older implant, a sinus lift and bone graft can restore the area for a fresh start.

Post-extraction bone loss

After a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate quickly. If you delayed getting an implant after extraction, a sinus lift may now be needed to rebuild the lost upper jaw bone.

Natural ageing

Bone density naturally decreases with age, and the maxillary sinuses can expand over time. For older patients seeking upper jaw implants, a sinus lift addresses these age-related changes.

Tailored to Your Anatomy

Types of sinus lift

Your dentist will recommend the approach best suited to your bone structure and treatment goals, determined by CBCT imaging during your consultation.

More Common

Lateral (External) Sinus Lift

Used when significant bone augmentation is needed — typically when less than 4-5mm of bone height remains. A small window is created on the side of the jawbone, the sinus membrane is carefully lifted, and bone graft material is placed to build height.

Best for: Multiple missing teeth, severe bone loss, or when several implants are planned. Healing time: 4-6 months before implant placement.

Less Invasive

Transcrestal (Internal) Sinus Lift

A minimally invasive approach suitable when only a small amount of additional bone height is required — typically when at least 5-6mm of bone is already present. The sinus membrane is lifted through the implant site itself, often allowing the implant to be placed at the same time.

Best for: Single tooth replacement with mild bone deficiency. May allow same-day implant and sinus lift.

What to Expect

The sinus lift procedure

Sinus lift surgery is performed under local anaesthesia at our Tanjong Pagar clinic. The procedure is straightforward and most patients experience minimal discomfort.

01

Consultation & Imaging

We take a panoramic X-ray and CBCT scan to map your sinus anatomy, measure available bone height, and determine whether a lateral or transcrestal approach is right for you.

02

Sinus Membrane Elevation

Under local anaesthesia, the sinus membrane is gently lifted from the jawbone, creating a space between the sinus floor and the upper jaw where new bone will be placed.

03

Bone Graft Placement

Bone graft material is carefully packed into the space beneath the lifted membrane. The gum is then sutured closed, and your body begins the natural healing process.

04

Healing & Implant Placement

Over 4-6 months, the graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a strong foundation. Once healed, dental implants are placed in the newly reinforced bone.

Sinus Lift Recovery

Your healing timeline

Recovery from a sinus lift is typically smooth and manageable. Here's what to expect at each stage.

First 48 hours

Mild swelling and discomfort around the cheek area. Manage with prescribed medication and ice packs. Keep your head elevated. Avoid blowing your nose.

Week 1-2

Swelling peaks around day 3 then gradually subsides. Maintain a soft diet. Sutures are removed or dissolve. Most patients return to work within a few days. No strenuous exercise.

Month 1-2

The surgical site continues to heal beneath the surface. You can gradually return to your normal diet. Follow-up appointment to monitor healing progress with your dentist.

Month 4-6

Bone graft fully integrates with your natural jawbone, creating a dense, stable foundation. Your dentist confirms readiness with imaging, and dental implant placement can proceed.

Sinus Lift Aftercare Essentials

Soft diet for 1-2 weeks

Avoid blowing your nose for 2-3 weeks

Sneeze with mouth open

No straws — avoid suction

Complete prescribed antibiotics

No smoking — impairs healing

Gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours

Attend all follow-up appointments

Your Complete Treatment Journey

Related treatments

A sinus lift is often part of a larger treatment plan that includes bone grafting and dental implant placement. Together, these procedures restore both function and confidence.

Dental Implants

Once your sinus lift has healed and the bone graft has integrated — typically after 4-6 months — dental implants can be securely placed in the reinforced upper jaw. Implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, and with the strong foundation created by a sinus lift, they can serve you well for a long time. Medisave claimable up to $1,950 per implant.

Learn about dental implants

Bone Grafting

A sinus lift is a specialised form of bone grafting for the upper jaw. If you also need bone augmentation in other areas — such as socket preservation after extraction or ridge augmentation for a wider jawbone — bone grafting procedures can be combined with your sinus lift treatment plan. Our dentist will determine the most efficient approach for your situation.

Learn about bone grafting

Medisave & Pricing

Sinus lift surgery is Medisave claimable

At Vera Dental, we believe cost should never stand between you and the treatment you need. External sinus lift surgery is Medisave claimable — internal (transcrestal) sinus lifts are not. Our Medisave-accredited team handles all paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.

Sinus lift costs depend on the complexity of the procedure and type of bone graft material used. We provide transparent, personalised pricing during your consultation — no hidden fees, no surprises.

Medisave Accredited 3D CBCT Imaging Guided Transparent Pricing

Consultation From

$40

Includes X-ray assessment

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Medisave Claims

Using Medisave for this treatment

External sinus lift surgery is Medisave claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with a maximum claim of up to $1,950. Internal (transcrestal) sinus lifts are not Medisave claimable. Your dentist will advise which approach is appropriate during your consultation.

Implant Fixture

Up to $1,950

Bone Graft

Up to $500

Sinus Lift

Up to $500

What IS claimable

Surgical component only — implant fixture placement, bone grafting procedure, sinus lift surgery

What is NOT claimable

Crown, consultation fees, X-rays, and non-surgical components

Family member's Medisave accepted (spouse, children, parents, siblings)

We submit the claim on your behalf — you sign one form on the day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your sinus lift questions, answered

What is a sinus lift and why do I need one?

A sinus lift (sinus augmentation) is a procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw by lifting the sinus membrane. You may need one if you don't have enough bone height in your upper jaw to securely support dental implants — whether from long-term tooth loss, naturally large sinuses, periodontal disease, or age-related bone changes.

Is a sinus lift painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. After the anaesthesia wears off, most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort — typically less than expected — which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling peaks around day 3 and gradually resolves.

How long does sinus lift recovery take?

Initial recovery takes about 1-2 weeks, during which you'll maintain a soft diet and avoid blowing your nose. Most patients can return to work within a few days. The full bone integration process takes 4-6 months, after which dental implants can be placed. Your dentist will monitor healing through scheduled follow-up appointments.

Can a dental implant be placed at the same time as a sinus lift?

In some cases, yes. If there is enough existing bone to provide initial stability for the implant, it may be placed simultaneously with the sinus lift — this is more common with the transcrestal (internal) approach. Your dentist will determine this based on your CBCT scan during consultation.

What is the difference between a lateral and transcrestal sinus lift?

A lateral (external) sinus lift creates a small window in the side of the jawbone and is used when significant bone augmentation is needed. A transcrestal (internal) sinus lift is less invasive, accessing the sinus through the implant site itself — suitable when only a small amount of additional bone height is required. Your dentist will recommend the approach that best matches your anatomy.

Can I use Medisave for sinus lift surgery?

Yes, sinus lift surgery is Medisave claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Vera Dental is Medisave accredited and our team handles all the paperwork for you. The claimable amount depends on the complexity of the procedure and is subject to CPF Board approval.

How much does a sinus lift cost in Singapore?

The cost varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of bone graft material used. At Vera Dental, we provide transparent, personalised pricing during your consultation. Medisave can be used to offset a significant portion of the cost for eligible patients. Contact us to get a pricing estimate.

What are the risks of sinus lift surgery?

Sinus lift surgery is a well-established, routine procedure. Potential risks include sinus membrane perforation (which can often be repaired during surgery), infection, minor bleeding, and temporary sinus congestion. Serious complications are rare when performed by an experienced dentist with proper diagnostic imaging. Your dentist will discuss all risks during your consultation.

Do I need a sinus lift or can I get short implants instead?

Short implants may be an option in cases where bone height is limited but not severely deficient. However, they come with different long-term considerations. Your dentist will evaluate your specific anatomy using CBCT imaging and recommend the approach that offers the most predictable, lasting result for your situation.

What should I eat after sinus lift surgery?

Stick to soft foods for the first 1-2 weeks — things like porridge, yoghurt, soups, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Avoid crunchy, hard, or spicy foods that could irritate the surgical site. Avoid using straws, as the suction can disturb the healing graft. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as comfort allows.