Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift in Turkey: An Overview
Papatya Dental Clinic is in Konyaaltı, Antalya, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, and patients travel to us for implants from the UK and across Europe. The clinic holds the Ministry of Health's International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate and ISO 9001 certification, and patients rate it 4.7 out of 5 on Google.
An implant needs enough bone around it to hold firmly. When a tooth has been missing for years, after advanced gum disease or after a difficult extraction, the bone can become too thin or too low. A bone graft adds bone material to rebuild it, often covered by a protective membrane; this is called guided bone regeneration.
In the upper back jaw, the sinus sits just above the roots of the teeth. When teeth are lost there, the sinus expands downwards and the bone gets lower. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material underneath, so there is enough height for an implant.
Not every implant patient needs a graft. When it is needed, the implant can often be placed in the same session; if there is too little bone for the implant to hold, the graft heals for 3–6 months first. A 2018 review found similar implant survival whether implants were placed at the same time as the graft or afterwards.
Implants placed with a sinus lift do well. In a systematic review, 98.3% of implants were still in place after three years with modern rough-surface implants and a membrane over the window, and implants placed with the smaller transcrestal sinus lift had survival comparable to implants in natural bone.
Bone graft
Rebuilds the width or height of the jawbone for an implant.
Sinus lift
Adds bone under the sinus in the upper back jaw.
Same session
In suitable cases the implant is placed at the same time as the graft.
Healing
3–6 months when the graft has to heal before the implant.
Results
98.3% of implants in place after three years with a modern sinus lift technique.
Who Needs a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift?
A bone graft or sinus lift is planned only when your scan shows there is not enough bone for an implant. The 3D scan measures the height and width of the bone at each implant position.
Teeth missing for a long time
The bone shrinks gradually after a tooth is lost.
Bone loss from gum disease
Advanced gum disease destroys the bone around the teeth.
Upper back teeth with low bone
A sinus lift adds height under the sinus.
A thin ridge after extraction
A graft rebuilds the width so the implant is fully covered by bone.
Bone height and width
Measured on the 3D scan at each planned implant position.
Sinus health
Active sinus inflammation is treated before a sinus lift.
General health and smoking
Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes slow bone healing.
Other options
Short implants, tilted implants or zygomatic implants can sometimes avoid a graft.
Enough bone already
Then no graft is needed.
Untreated sinus infection
A sinus lift is postponed until it has been treated.
Health that does not allow surgery yet
Some conditions need to be under control first.
Risks of Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift and How They Are Reduced
The risks are the same in Turkey as at home. A 3D scan, choosing the right technique and following the aftercare advice keep them low.
Swelling and bruising
Common in the first days and usually settle within one to two weeks.
Sinus membrane tear
Can happen during a sinus lift and is usually repaired during the same procedure.
Infection
Uncommon; antibiotics and good cleaning reduce the risk.
A graft that does not fully take
Part of the graft may be lost, and some patients need a second graft.
Membrane exposure
A membrane can become visible through the gum during healing and may need extra care.
Sinus problems
Congestion or sinusitis after a sinus lift is uncommon and is treated if it happens.
How Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift in Turkey Work
For patients travelling to Turkey, the plan depends on how much bone there is. If the implant can be placed in the same session, treatment follows the usual two implant visits. If the graft has to heal first, it is placed at the first visit and the implants are placed 3–6 months later, so treatment can take an extra trip.
- 1
Before you travel
You send a recent X-ray or scan if you have one, and your coordinator talks you through the plan and the dates. If you would like, we arrange your airport transfer and hotel in Antalya.
- 2
Examination and 3D scan
Panoramic X-rays and a 3D scan (cone beam CT) show the height and width of the bone and the sinus.
- 3
Planning
Your surgeon decides whether a graft, a sinus lift or both are needed, and whether the implant can go in at the same time.
- 4
Bone graft or sinus lift
Performed under local anaesthesia; a sinus lift usually takes 30–90 minutes.
- 5
Implant in the same session, if possible
When the bone allows the implant to hold firmly, it is placed at the same time.
- 6
Healing
Otherwise the graft heals for 3–6 months and is checked before the implants are placed.
- 7
Implants and teeth
The same surgical team places the implants, and the teeth are fitted once the implants have healed.
Alternatives to Bone Grafting
Sometimes a graft can be avoided by changing the type or position of the implants.
Short implants
When the bone is a little low, a shorter implant may fit without a sinus lift.
All-on-4
Tilted back implants avoid the sinus and reach firmer bone.
Zygomatic implants
Anchored in the cheekbone when the upper jaw has very little bone left.
A bridge or denture
Options that do not need implants or extra bone.
3D Planning at Our Antalya Clinic
Every graft is planned on a 3D scan (cone beam CT), which measures the bone and shows the position of the sinus and the nerve; the thickness of the gum is assessed at the examination.
The graft and the later implant surgery are carried out by the same surgical team, so the bone is built where the implants are planned to go.
A wide choice of implant systems is available for the implant stage, including Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Neodent, Osstem, MegaGen and Dentium, and you receive an implant card for every implant placed.
3D CT (CBCT) scan
Measures bone height and width before surgery.
Guided bone regeneration
Graft material under a protective membrane.
Lateral and transcrestal sinus lift
The technique is chosen from the bone height under the sinus.
Same surgical team
The graft and the implants are placed by the same team.
Implant card
A record of each implant placed, for your dentist at home.
Recovery After a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift and Aftercare at Home
Mild swelling, tenderness and, after a sinus lift, a feeling of fullness are common in the first few days. Take the medicines you are given and follow your surgeon's instructions.
- 1
First few days
Swelling and tenderness; avoid strenuous exercise.
- 2
First two weeks
After a sinus lift, do not blow your nose hard, and sneeze with your mouth open.
- 3
Before flying
Ask your surgeon when flying is fine after a sinus lift.
- 4
3–6 months
The graft matures before the implants are placed or loaded.
Protecting the graft
Avoid chewing on the area and pressing on it with your tongue or a denture.
Stopping smoking
Smoking slows bone healing and raises the risk of the graft failing.
Once you are back home
Every treatment at Papatya Dental Clinic includes 12 months of aftercare, and your coordinator stays reachable on WhatsApp after you return home. We also have an office in London (25 Southampton Buildings) and one in Helsinki.
Swelling, pain or fever that gets worse
Especially after the third day.
Graft particles in your mouth or nose, or a bad taste
Contact the clinic for a check.
What Affects the Cost of Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift in Turkey
The cost depends on how much bone needs to be rebuilt, the technique and the graft material. A fixed figure cannot be given before your scan has been assessed; current prices are shared with you, together with your treatment plan, when you contact us. You can pay by card, bank transfer or cash.
Size of the graft
A small graft around one implant and a large rebuild of the jaw differ in scope.
Sinus lift technique
A lateral or a transcrestal sinus lift is chosen from the bone height.
Graft material and membrane
The type of bone material and membrane used.
Same session or separate
Grafting at the same time as the implant can save an extra visit.
Number of sites
One area or several areas of the jaw.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bone graft for dental implants?
Not always. A graft is needed only when your scan shows there is not enough bone for the implant to hold firmly. Short or tilted implants can sometimes avoid it.
Can the implant be placed at the same time as the bone graft?
Often, yes. When there is enough bone for the implant to hold firmly, it is placed in the same session. A 2018 review found similar implant survival whether implants were placed with the graft or afterwards.
How long does a bone graft take to heal?
When the graft has to heal before the implant, usually 3–6 months.
How many visits to Turkey will I need?
If the implant is placed with the graft, treatment follows the usual two implant visits. If the graft has to heal first, implants are placed 3–6 months later, which can mean an extra trip.
What is a sinus lift?
In the upper back jaw, the bone under the sinus can be too low for an implant. A sinus lift gently raises the sinus membrane and places bone graft material underneath, adding height for the implant.
How successful is a sinus lift?
In a systematic review, 98.3% of implants were still in place three years after a sinus lift with modern rough-surface implants and a membrane over the window. Implants placed with the smaller transcrestal technique had survival comparable to implants in natural bone.
Is a bone graft or sinus lift painful?
Both are done under local anaesthesia, so pain is not felt during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling for a few days afterwards are normal.
Can I fly after a sinus lift?
Flying changes the pressure in the sinuses, so ask your surgeon when it is safe for you. Plan your return date with your coordinator before treatment.
How much does a bone graft cost in Turkey?
The price depends on how much bone needs rebuilding, the technique and the graft material. A fixed figure cannot be given before your scan has been assessed. Current prices are shared with you, together with your treatment plan, when you contact us.
Who carries out bone grafting at your clinic?
Bone grafting and sinus lifts are carried out by specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery and periodontology: Ozan Ergen, Ali Bulut, Assoc. Prof. Gülen Kamak and Elif Teke. The same team places the implants.
What aftercare do I get after I return home, for example to the UK?
Every treatment at Papatya Dental Clinic includes 12 months of aftercare, and your coordinator stays reachable on WhatsApp after you return home. Papatya Dental has an office in London (25 Southampton Buildings, open Monday to Saturday) and one in Helsinki, and holds MeetUp events in UK cities where you can meet the team in person.
Medical sources
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Medically reviewed by
Ozan Ergen
Specialist in Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery
View doctor profile
Ali Bulut
Specialist Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgeon
View doctor profile
Gülen Kamak
Assoc. Prof., Specialist in Periodontology and Implantology
View doctor profileLast medical review: 16 October 2026
