A lift surgery is a dental procedure where the sinus membrane gets lifted to allow new bone growth in the posterior maxilla (upper jaw). It’s necessary when there is not enough bone height between the upper jaw and the maxillary sinuses.
A dental implants sinus lift is required if you consider dental implants in Los Angeles to replace missing teeth in your upper jaw. Dental implants in Los Angeles have a better chance of long-term success if placed in an area with adequate bone. The implant then acts as an artificial tooth root and holds the replacement tooth, or crown, securely in place.
If you have lost teeth due to periodontal disease, infection, or trauma, you may want to consider replacing them with dental implants. The more teeth that are missing, the more likely it is that your jawbone has deteriorated over time. Bone loss often means there is not enough bone to place an implant without first performing a sinus lift procedure.
Who Needs Sinus Lift Surgery?
Most people who undergo lift surgery have missing teeth in the upper back jaw or molars. Those who have had their teeth extracted may also be good candidates for this procedure. The surgery is usually performed on patients over 40 when the bones are no longer growing. They may even have sinus lifts and implants at the same time.
Your dentists may also recommend a sinus lift for dental implant if you replace all teeth with implants (a full arch reconstruction). It can help to improve your bite and prevent further bone loss in the jaw.
How Do You Know If You Should Have a Sinus Lift?
The dentists will conduct an X-ray of the sinuses will be taken to help determine if there is enough bone for dental implant. The best sinus lift dentist may recommend a sinus lift for dental implant if required.
Doctors will make a small incision in the gum tissue during a sinus lift procedure. The bone separating the maxillary sinus and the upper jaw is then exposed. The surgeon will then add a small amount of bone to the area. The procedure takes bone from another body area (such as your hip) or uses artificial bone graft material.
Once the surgeon places the new bone, it is allowed to recover for some months before the dental implant procedure. In some cases, dental implants can be placed simultaneously as the sinus lift.
If you consider dental implants, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about whether a sinus lift may be necessary. This procedure can help ensure that your implants will have the best chance of success.
What One Should Know in Preparation for The Surgery
Lift surgery is a relatively safe and straightforward procedure. However, as with any surgery, certain risks and complications can occur. Before undergoing the procedure, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about these risks.
In most cases, the procedure takes less than an hour to complete. You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area and may also get sedated to help you relax.
Discussed below are basic but crucial things to keep in mind before having the surgery:
Before the Procedure:
• You will likely be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your teeth.
• If you have any medical conditions