Bone graft & sinus lift — an implant even with low jawbone
Not enough jawbone for an implant? Bone grafting and sinus lift make it possible anyway. Methods, process, costs in Poland. Also after years of missing teeth. Mikrostomart Opole.
“You don’t have enough bone for an implant” — many patients hear this and assume fixed teeth are off the table. Not true. With bone grafting (augmentation) and a sinus lift, the vast majority of cases can be solved.
Why is bone missing?
The jawbone shrinks when a tooth is missing — it’s no longer “loaded”. The longer a gap exists, the more bone is lost. Gum disease and ill-fitting dentures also speed up the loss.
The methods at a glance
1. Bone grafting (augmentation)
Missing bone volume is rebuilt using bone substitute or your own bone. After a healing period there’s enough volume for a stable implant.
2. Sinus lift (upper back-tooth area)
Above the upper molars sits the maxillary sinus. If there’s too little bone there, the sinus floor is gently lifted and filled with bone material.
- Internal sinus lift: gentle, for moderate bone loss — often done at the same time as the implant
- External sinus lift: for significant bone loss, as a separate step
3. Ridge splitting
A narrow bony ridge is carefully widened to accept an implant.
Can it be done without bone grafting?
Sometimes, yes:
- Short implants for moderate bone loss
- Angled implants (placed at a tilt) — the core principle of All-on-4: existing bone is used optimally, often with no grafting at all
- The CBCT (3D X-ray) shows what’s possible
The process
- CBCT & planning — precise measurement of available bone
- Augmentation/sinus lift (before or with the implant, depending on the case)
- Healing of the graft (3-6 months, at home)
- Implant placement (if separate)
- Crown/bridge on the stable implant
Costs in Poland
| Service | Poland | UK (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bone graft (local) | €250-600 | £600-1,400 |
| Internal sinus lift | €300-600 | £700-1,400 |
| External sinus lift | €500-1,000 | £1,200-2,400 |
Even with grafting, treatment in Poland stays far cheaper. Cost overview →
Who it suits
- Patients with a long-standing gap and bone loss
- After gum disease with bone loss
- For upper back teeth with a low sinus floor
- Wearers of an old full denture wanting to switch to implants
Conclusion
Too little bone is almost never a final “no” to an implant. With bone grafting, a sinus lift or clever implant positioning (All-on-4), fixed teeth are possible in most cases — at fair Polish prices. Send us your X-ray and we’ll tell you honestly what’s achievable.
Send an implant enquiry → · Dental Implants Poland →
Author: Dr Marcin Nowosielski, M.Sc. RWTH Aachen — implantologist, Mikrostomart clinic, Opole.
Disclaimer: Suitability depends on individual diagnostics (CBCT). Information only.