SINUS LIFT SURGERY - POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
You have had a Sinus Lift Augmentation procedure in your upper jaw. This procedure regains lost bone height in the area of your first and second molar and occasionally second premolar. It is an important procedure as it allows implant placement in an area that could not be implanted otherwise because of insufficient bone height due to an enlarged sinus.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) WEEKS. This may be longer if indicated. You may sniff all you like but NO BLOWING. Do not blow your nose or sneeze holding your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open. Scuba diving and flying in pressurized aircraft may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided. Anything that causes pressure in your nasal cavity must be avoided. Avoid "bearing down"-as when lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require a blowing action or any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure. Smoking must be stopped. Anyways, do not smoke for at least two weeks after surgery, if at all. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of bone graft and sinus augmentation failure.
Apply cold compresses to outside of face in the area of surgery-15 minutes on, 15 minutes off-for 4-6 hours. Do not use after 36 hours. It is not unusual to have post-operative swelling. Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. Some swelling should be expected. If it does occur, it will reach its maximum in 48-72 hours, and then it will start to decrease.
Take prescribed antibiotics as directed until all medication is consumed. Take pain relievers as directed but only as often as is necessary to manage the discomfort. Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off. For light discomfort or moderate pain one or two 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Rupan, Advil, Motrin) should be taken every three to four hours. Do not exceed 2400 mg per 24 hours. In addition you may use a very effective analgesic and antipyretic agent, Acetaminophen (Tylenol Extra Strength, Paracetamol), one or two every six hours. Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first 18-24 hours. Begin the use of the prescribed rinse (special mouthwash - chlorhexidine gluconate 0,12% - or warm salt-water) after the first 24 hours and rinse gently after meals and between 6-8 times a day for at least one week.
Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery. Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen clotting, causing bleeding.
For the first 24 hours, eat soft, cool foods that can be easily chewed or swallowed. Avoid eating or drinking hot or very cold foods or liquids (coffee, soup, tea). Avoid sharp, spicy, acidic or chewy foods for several days. Maintain a balanced diet.
Do not raise your lip or pull on the cheek to look at the surgical site. This might tear the sutures(stitches).
A little bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal after the surgery. If worried, place a wet teabag firmly against the area for 30 minutes or longer if necessary. If bleeding continues, please call the office.
Avoid brushing and flossing for the first six days in the surgical area. After 6 days, brush and floss very delicately. Begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery. Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing.
Do not spit, expectorate or take any alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours. These actions may delay healing, increase discomfort, encourage bleeding and cause complications.
Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day following surgery. Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Always get up slowing from a reclining position to prevent dizziness. To encourage rapid healing, please REST!
As with any procedure, unexpected post-operative healing can occur. If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose, if you are aware of several small particles of graft material being discharged from your nose, if you experience sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed, if there is an increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after 3 days, please call the office
Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns.