Bone grafting and sinus lift in Brussels
A bone graft (or bone augmentation) rebuilds the jawbone that is missing so that a dental implant can be placed securely. A sinus lift is a specific type of bone graft at the back of the upper jaw, beneath the sinus. Dr Denis Catarau, a dentist with experience in implant dentistry, assesses your bone and explains the options at the Detaille dental practice in Etterbeek, Brussels.
Written and reviewed by Dr Denis Catarau, dentist in EtterbeekUpdated: October 2026
The practice
Detaille dental practice
- Rue des Champs 64, 1040 Etterbeek (Brussels)
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00
- French, Romanian, Russian
- +32 2 217 11 18
- Who needs it
- When the bone is too thin or too shallow for an implant
- Anaesthesia
- Local
- Healing time
- Usually 4-9 months before the implant is placed or loaded
- Usual after-effects
- Swelling for a few days, sometimes bruising
- Cost
- On quote, on top of the implant
Why does jawbone shrink?
The bone around a tooth is only maintained while the tooth is there. After an extraction, the bone is no longer stimulated by chewing and it gradually resorbs, losing width and height, especially in the first few months.
Other causes often add to this: gum disease (periodontitis), an old infection, an injury, years of wearing a denture that presses on the gum or, in the upper jaw, a sinus that expands downwards after the back teeth are lost.
When is a bone graft needed?
An implant must be fully surrounded by bone to be stable and long-lasting. A graft is considered when the existing bone does not allow this. Only a 3D X-ray (CBCT) can measure it accurately.
- The bone is too thin: the implant could be exposed at the sides.
- The bone is too shallow at the back of the upper jaw, beneath the sinus.
- A bone defect has formed after a difficult extraction or an infection.
The main techniques
The choice depends on the area, how much bone is missing and your general health; Dr Catarau explains the technique and material he proposes before any procedure.
- Guided bone regeneration: a bone substitute (a material that acts as scaffolding for your own bone) is placed in the area and covered with a protective membrane. Your own bone gradually replaces it.
- Lateral sinus lift: a small window is opened in the side of the bone, the sinus membrane is gently lifted and the space underneath is filled. This approach can gain a lot of height.
- Crestal (internal) sinus lift: the membrane is raised by a few millimetres through the implant site itself. It is less invasive and often allows the implant to be placed in the same session.
- Socket preservation: the socket is filled straight after an extraction to limit bone loss.
Pain, swelling and recovery
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. Swelling is common afterwards; it usually peaks after 2 to 3 days and settles within about a week. Discomfort is generally controlled with prescribed painkillers, cold compresses and soft, lukewarm food.
After a sinus lift, the sinus needs protecting while it heals: do not blow your nose hard, sneeze with your mouth open, and avoid flying or diving until the dentist says it is safe. Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of failure, so stopping is strongly advised.
The risks, in plain words
Like any surgery, a bone graft carries risks: bleeding, infection, the gum opening over the graft, or a graft that does not fully take and has to be redone. During a sinus lift, the sinus membrane can tear; this is usually managed during the procedure but may delay treatment. Sinusitis is also possible.
The steps
- 1
Consultation and 3D X-ray
An examination, questions about your health and medication, then a CBCT scan to measure bone height and width and locate the sinus and nerves.
- 2
Treatment plan and quote
Dr Catarau explains whether the graft can be done at the same time as the implant or beforehand, which technique he proposes, the timeline and the cost.
- 3
The procedure
Under local anaesthetic, the area is prepared, the bone is rebuilt and the gum is closed with a few stitches. Depending on the extent, it takes roughly 30 minutes to an hour and a half.
- 4
Healing and check-ups
A check-up and stitch removal after about 7 to 14 days. New bone then forms over usually 4 to 9 months, depending on the technique and the volume grafted.
- 5
Implant placement or loading
Once the bone is ready, the implant is placed (or, if it was placed together with the graft, it receives its crown once healed).
Bone graft cost and reimbursement
The cost of a bone graft or sinus lift varies widely with the technique, the amount of material, the number of areas treated and whether it is done on its own or together with the implant. It comes on top of the cost of the implant and crown.
- INAMI/RIZIV reimbursement
- Generally not, like most implant treatment
- Mutuelle or dental insurance
- Partial cover possible depending on your policy (caps, waiting periods)
- At the practice
- Quote after consultation and 3D scan
Dr Catarau is a non-contracted (non conventionné) dentist, so his fees may be higher than the INAMI agreed rates. For treatments listed in the official fee schedule you receive a certificate of care (attestation de soins). Exact price on quote after consultation.
Bone grafting and sinus lift: frequently asked questions
Another question? The practice answers by phone, Monday to Friday.
What is a dental bone graft?
It is a procedure that adds bone where it is missing so that an implant can be stable. Most often a bone substitute is placed and protected by a membrane, and your own bone gradually replaces it over a few months. It is done under local anaesthetic, before or at the same time as the implant.
Do I always need a bone graft before an implant?
No, many implants are placed without a graft. It is only needed if the bone is too thin, too shallow or damaged at the planned site. This is more common when a tooth has been missing for a long time, after gum disease or at the back of the upper jaw. A 3D X-ray (CBCT) shows this before any decision.
What is a sinus lift?
A sinus lift is a bone graft at the back of the upper jaw. The thin membrane lining the sinus is gently raised and graft material is placed underneath, creating the bone height an implant needs. It is done either through a small window in the side of the bone or through the implant site itself.
Does a bone graft hurt?
During the procedure, local anaesthetic prevents pain. Discomfort and swelling are common over the following days, peaking around day 2 or 3 and improving clearly within about a week. Prescribed painkillers, cold compresses and soft food are usually enough. A bruise may appear on the cheek.
How long before the implant can be placed?
Usually 4 to 9 months after a bone graft or a lateral sinus lift, which is the time new bone needs to form. When enough bone remains, for example with a crestal sinus lift, the implant can often be placed in the same session; you then wait for it to heal before the crown is fitted.
What are the risks of a sinus lift?
The main risks are a tear in the sinus membrane, infection, sinusitis or a graft that does not fully take. A membrane tear is often repaired during the procedure but can delay the implant. Following the aftercare advice (not blowing your nose hard, not smoking, taking the prescribed medication) greatly reduces these risks.
Are there alternatives to a bone graft?
Yes, depending on the case. Short or narrow implants, or angled implants as in the All-on-4 technique, sometimes make it possible to use the existing bone. A solution without implants, such as a conventional bridge or a removable denture, is also an option. Dr Catarau explains the options that suit your bone after the 3D scan.
How much does a bone graft cost, and is it reimbursed?
The price depends on the technique, the amount of material and the number of areas treated, and it comes on top of the implant. At the practice it is quoted after the examination. INAMI generally does not reimburse these treatments, but some mutuelles or dental insurers cover part of the cost, depending on your policy.
Related treatments
Treatments that are often considered together.
Find out where your bone stands
At a consultation at the Detaille dental practice in Etterbeek, Dr Catarau reviews your 3D X-ray and explains the possible options clearly. Book online through Doctoranytime.