After a tooth is lost, the jawbone around it gradually shrinks. In the upper jaw, the sinus above the back teeth can also sit lower. If the bone is too thin or too short for an implant, it can be rebuilt. A graft can often be done at the same time as the implant; sometimes the implant is placed at a later stage, once the graft has healed. Your CBCT scan shows whether you need this, which is why we ask for one before you travel.
The main types
| Procedure | What it does | With the implant, or later? |
|---|---|---|
| Socket or ridge graft | Rebuilds bone width or height where a tooth was lost | Often with the implant; if the implant has to wait, about 4–6 months of healing first, depending on the material (systematic review) |
| Crestal sinus lift (osteotome) | Lifts the sinus floor a few millimetres from below, through the implant site | Usually placed with the implant, when at least about 6 mm of bone remains (ITI) |
| Lateral-window sinus lift | Adds more bone under the sinus through a small window at the side | Implant at the same time if bone allows; otherwise about 4–12 months later (ITI) |
How it changes your trips
- Graft placed with the implant: often no extra trip. It can mean a longer stay and a later final tooth.
- Implant at a later stage, once the graft has healed: usually one extra trip.
- After a sinus lift, wait before flying: at least two weeks, ideally about six (Felkai et al., 2023).
- Full-arch options such as All-on-4 often angle the back implants into existing bone, which can avoid grafting (All-on-4 vs All-on-6).
Cost at Sterling
| Treatment at Sterling | Indicative price (INR) | Approx. GBP |
|---|---|---|
| Bone graft (when needed) | ₹10,000–20,000 | ≈ £80–160 |
| Sinus lift (when needed) | ₹40,000 | ≈ £310 |
| CBCT 3D scan (full) | ₹10,000 | ≈ £80 |
See how trips and timelines fit together in one trip or two.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need a bone graft for a dental implant?+
Only if there is not enough bone where the implant should go. A CBCT scan shows this before treatment.
Can a bone graft be done at the same time as the implant?+
Often, yes. Sometimes the implant is placed at a later stage, once the graft has healed. Your scan shows which applies to you.
How long does a bone graft take to heal before an implant?+
When the implant has to wait, typically about 4–6 months for a socket or ridge graft, depending on the material used.
Can a sinus lift be done at the same time as the implant?+
Often, yes. A crestal sinus lift is usually done with the implant when enough bone remains; a larger lateral-window lift may need several months of healing first.
How soon can I fly after a sinus lift?+
Published guidance suggests at least two weeks, ideally about six weeks.
Sources
- Alveolar ridge preservation: systematic review (accessed 28 September 2026)
- ITI: Overview of the sinus floor elevation procedure in implant dentistry (accessed 28 September 2026)
- Felkai et al. (2023), Dental tourism and the risk of barotrauma and barodontalgia, Br Dent J 234:115–117 (accessed 28 September 2026)
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Whether implants suit you, and what they will cost, depends on a clinical examination and 3D scan. Prices are indicative and are confirmed in writing before any treatment.