Upper back teeth. Understand the space before planning implants.
Considering a sinus lift for dental implants in Barcelona? Meet both doctors by video to discuss your records, sinus anatomy and proposed plan, including surgery, healing and the visits needed for your final teeth.
Complex bone and soft tissue reconstruction is a core clinical focus of OsteoPerio. We assess whether augmentation is appropriate and how it fits into your complete treatment.
Clinical photograph from a sinus-lift case
The image shows the gum-covered area between teeth. The sinus lining, graft and implant are not visible here; this photograph alone cannot demonstrate bone gain or implant healing.
The lining is lifted. The space below it is supported.
The maxillary sinus sits above the upper premolar and molar region, beside the nose. When too little bone remains beneath it for the planned implant, a sinus lift may create space for additional bone to develop.
Remaining boneSinus liningGrafted spaceGum tissue
01 / Understanding the anatomy
Limited height beneath the sinus
The sinus is an air-filled space above the upper back teeth. After tooth loss, the ridge may shrink and the sinus may extend downwards. The arrow marks the remaining height at one example site.
02 / The augmentation principle
Space created below the lining
The lining is elevated to create a protected space beneath it. This example shows graft material in that space. It supports bone development over time; it is not already mature bone.
Original educational cross-sections, not to scale or a before-and-after result. The dashed line marks the original floor level in this simplified example. The whole sinus, drainage pathway, neighbouring teeth and surgical access are omitted. No implant, measured bone gain or healing outcome is depicted.
Two questions, answered separately
How to reach the sinus lining. When to place the implant.
The surgical approach and the implant timetable are related, but they are not the same decision. Your plan should explain both.
Internal · transcrestal
Access through the implant site
The lining is approached through the site prepared in the ridge. This may be considered when a more limited increase in height is needed and the remaining bone and anatomy are suitable.
External · lateral window
Access from the cheek side
An opening in the side of the upper jaw gives access to the lining. This may be considered when a larger augmentation is needed. Implant placement may be combined or delayed, depending on support and clinical findings.
Combined surgery
Sinus lift + implant → healing review
May be possible if the existing bone can hold the implant stable in its planned position and the sinus conditions are suitable.
Staged surgery
Sinus lift → healing → implant if ready
If support or clinical conditions are insufficient, augmentation comes first. Reassessment determines whether and when an implant can be placed.
Restoration
Implant healing → the crown or bridge
Fitting and using the tooth is a separate stage. Combined surgery does not automatically mean immediate fixed teeth or completion in one trip.
These are simplified treatment sequences, not fixed appointment counts or recovery schedules. Findings during surgery, including a tear in the lining, may change the plan.
Both doctors review the full documentation and discuss the diagnosis based on those records, the proposed approach, alternatives and likely visits. Mention previous sinus treatment, grafting, implants and relevant medical history.
02
Assessment and surgery in Barcelona
Confirm anatomy and clinical suitability.
An examination confirms the findings before treatment. The team checks the proposed implant position, sinus health and available bone. Surgery may be combined with implant placement or staged; findings during surgery can change that sequence.
03
Initial healing and travel review
Leave room for recovery in your stay.
Remain in Barcelona through the initial healing phase and our review, as appropriate for the surgery. Receive written aftercare and contact arrangements. Review your return journey with the team rather than relying on a fixed number of days.
04
Later stages and local follow-up
Plan the final tooth as well as the implant.
Bone maturation, any later implant placement and the final crown or bridge may require further visits. After our initial review, care can continue with your local dentist as agreed. Confirm each clinician’s role and the records needed for ongoing care.
Protecting healing
Plan your return journey with the treating team.
Recovery and practical arrangements
Swelling, soreness, bruising and a feeling of sinus congestion can occur. Follow your surgeon’s written instructions, including precautions about nose blowing, activity and travel. Do not use a general online recovery period as clearance to fly.
Agree the initial stay, review appointments, contact route for concerns and follow-up at home before treatment. Bone development takes months; additional trips may be needed for implants or restorative work.
Risks and changes to the plan
The sinus lining can tear, requiring repair or postponement. Infection, sinus problems, graft loss or insufficient bone formation may need further treatment. Bleeding, altered sensation and a communication between the mouth and sinus are other risks to discuss.
Contact the team for worsening symptoms, persistent bleeding or fever. Seek prompt local assessment if you are away and need care, rather than waiting for a remote reply. Smoking, general health and sinus disease can affect healing and suitability.
Your questions
Clarity before travelling for a sinus lift.
Does every upper back tooth implant need a sinus lift?
No. The available bone, sinus anatomy and intended tooth position determine the options. Selected patients may be suitable for a different implant plan, including a shorter implant, or a bridge or removable replacement. Choosing not to replace a tooth may also be an option. These choices need an individual assessment.
Can both doctors assess my records before I travel?
Yes. After receiving the full documentation, Dr. Sahand Shirzadi Maryan and Dr. Sergi Rivas Frau offer a scheduled video consultation to explain a records-based diagnosis and proposed treatment plan. An examination in Barcelona confirms the findings before treatment. An enquiry does not reserve a surgical date.
Should I arrange a new CBCT scan now?
Tell us which radiographs or scans you already have and when they were taken. Three-dimensional imaging may be needed to assess bone height, width, sinus anatomy and the proposed implant position. The team will explain what is suitable and whether new imaging is clinically indicated; do not arrange a scan solely to make an enquiry.
What if I have sinusitis or previous sinus surgery?
Tell us about ongoing congestion, recurrent sinus infections and previous sinus treatment or surgery. These may affect suitability or timing. Medical or ear, nose and throat (ENT) assessment may be needed before planning dental surgery.
Does combined surgery mean I leave with a fixed tooth?
No. Combining the sinus lift with implant placement is a surgical decision. Fitting a temporary tooth or final crown is a separate decision based on stability, healing, the bite and the restorative plan. Agree temporary tooth arrangements before treatment.
How long should I stay, and when can I fly?
Plan to stay in Barcelona through the initial healing phase and the team’s review, according to your procedure. Discuss flying with the treating team before booking return travel; sinus health, surgery and recovery affect the advice. There is no single safe departure date that applies to everyone. Bone maturation and final teeth take longer than the initial stay.
Can I discuss the origin of the graft material?
Yes. Ask which material is proposed, its origin, why it is recommended and what alternatives are suitable. Grafts may use your own bone, human-donor, animal-derived or synthetic materials. Tell us about personal or religious preferences before consenting.
What happens after I return home?
After our initial healing review, follow-up can continue with your local dentist as agreed. Confirm who provides further reviews, temporary and final teeth, and long-term maintenance. Contact the treating team for concerns and seek prompt local assessment for worsening symptoms rather than waiting for a remote reply.
Clinical background and further reading
General patient information on anatomy, approaches, graft materials and risks. This guidance does not verify the pictured case or set your personal treatment or travel schedule. The illustrations on this page are original educational diagrams.
Understand your options before booking your journey.
Request an international video consultation and select “Sinus lift / posterior maxilla” as your main concern. Mention missing upper back teeth, the advice you have received, available records, sinus history and where you live.
Ask for a clear estimate covering assessment, scans, sinus surgery and materials, implants, temporary and final teeth, and reviews. Clarify separate fees and the possibility of extra visits before arranging travel.
Appointments take place at collaborating dental clinics in Barcelona. The clinical location is confirmed when your visit is arranged. Private surgery is provided by Sahand and/or Sergi according to your plan. The supervised programme remains in preparation and is not yet bookable.
