What is a Sinus Lift — and Do I Need One? Your Questions Answered by Lion Medical, Dublin 24

If you’ve been told you need a sinus lift before getting dental implants, you’re probably wondering what it actually involves — and whether it’s really necessary. At Lion Medical Dental & Health Clinic in Tallaght, Dublin 24, our specialist Dr Victor Vidigal (MSc Periodontology, MSc Implantology) performs sinus lifts regularly and is here to answer the most common questions patients ask.

What Exactly is a Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift — also called sinus augmentation or maxillary sinus floor elevation — is a surgical procedure that adds bone to your upper jaw, specifically in the area behind your upper back teeth (the molars and premolars). The name comes from the fact that the sinus membrane needs to be gently “lifted” upward to make room for the new bone.

The procedure is usually required before placing dental implants in the upper jaw, when there isn’t enough bone height to securely anchor an implant. Without sufficient bone, an implant would protrude into the sinus cavity — which is why building up the bone first is essential for a safe, long-lasting result.

Why Would I Not Have Enough Bone?

Bone loss in the upper jaw is more common than you might think. The most frequent reasons include:

• Missing teeth for a long time — When teeth are lost and not replaced, the jawbone underneath begins to shrink (resorb) because it’s no longer being stimulated by biting and chewing. The longer teeth are missing, the more bone is typically lost.
• A naturally large maxillary sinus — Some people simply have a sinus that takes up more space, leaving less bone between the sinus floor and where teeth used to be.
• Periodontal (gum) disease — Advanced gum disease destroys the bone that supports teeth. This is one of the reasons why Dr Vidigal, as a dual specialist in Periodontology and Implantology, understands both conditions deeply and can treat them together.
• Previous extractions or infections — Bone can be lost following extractions, abscesses, or other dental infections.

I’ve Been Told I Don’t Have Enough Bone for Implants — Is That the End of the Road?

Absolutely not. This is one of the most important things patients need to hear. Being told you don’t have enough bone does not mean implants are impossible — it means you need bone building first. A sinus lift, combined with bone grafting, can recreate the bone volume needed to place implants successfully.

At Lion Medical, we’ve treated many patients across Dublin who came to us after being told elsewhere that implants weren’t possible for them. In many of these cases, a sinus lift made implant treatment achievable. The key is having a specialist who is experienced in both the sinus lift procedure and the subsequent implant placement — which is exactly what Dr Vidigal provides at our Tallaght clinic.

What Are the Two Types of Sinus Lift?

There are two main techniques, and the right one for you depends on how much bone you have to start with:

Lateral Window Sinus Lift — used when there is minimal bone height (less than 5mm). A small access point is made in the side of the jaw, the sinus membrane is gently lifted, and bone graft material is placed. This allows for a significant amount of bone to be added. Healing takes around 6–9 months before implants can be placed.

Transcrestal (Osteotome) Sinus Lift — used when there is at least 5–6mm of bone available. This is a less invasive technique where the sinus floor is elevated through the implant site itself, with a smaller amount of bone graft. In some cases, implants can be placed at the same time, reducing overall treatment time. Healing is typically 3–6 months.

Is a Sinus Lift a Major Operation?

It is a surgical procedure, but it is routinely performed under local anaesthesia in a dental clinic setting — you do not need to go to hospital. Dr Vidigal performs sinus lifts at our Tallaght clinic in a calm, professional environment.

Most patients describe the procedure as much more manageable than they expected. You will feel pressure and movement but not pain during the procedure. Afterwards, some swelling, mild bruising and discomfort are normal for a few days — similar to what you’d experience after a wisdom tooth removal. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

The sinus lift itself typically takes 1–2 hours. The healing phase — where the bone graft integrates with your natural bone — takes between 3 and 9 months depending on the technique used. After that, implants are placed and allowed to integrate for a further few months before the final crown is fitted.

While this may sound like a long process, most of the time is passive healing — you’re not in the clinic every week. And the result is a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement that can last a lifetime with proper care.

How Much Does a Sinus Lift Cost in Dublin?

The cost depends on the technique required and the extent of bone grafting needed. At Lion Medical, we provide a full written treatment plan and cost breakdown at consultation, so you know exactly what’s involved before committing. We believe in complete pricing transparency — no surprises.

You can view our general pricing at lionmedical.ie/prices, and for a specific quote, book a consultation with Dr Vidigal.

Does Lion Medical Do Sinus Lifts In-House?

Yes — and this is what sets us apart from most dental practices in South Dublin. Dr Victor Vidigal performs sinus lifts in-house at our Tallaght clinic, meaning you don’t need to be referred to a hospital or specialist-only centre. We also have in-house CBCT scanning, which allows Dr Vidigal to precisely assess your bone volume and sinus anatomy and plan your treatment accurately — all without leaving our clinic.

Patients come to Lion Medical from across Dublin 24, Rathfarnham, Templeogue, Firhouse, Knocklyon, Clondalkin, Citywest, Crumlin and beyond for this level of specialist care.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’ve been told you need a sinus lift, or if you’ve been turned away from other clinics because of insufficient bone, we encourage you to come in for a consultation with Dr Vidigal. He will review your situation, take any necessary scans, and give you an honest, expert assessment of your options.

📞 01 414 8397 | 📱 +353 (85) 755 7322

Learn more about our Sinus Lift service at Lion Medical →
Meet Dr Victor Vidigal – Periodontal Specialist & Sinus Lift Surgeon →