Surgical Instructions
After Sinus Lift Surgery Instruction
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This procedure regains lost bone height in the back portion of your upper jaw. 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.
The bone that has been grafted is most commonly a combination freeze-dried bone, artificial synthetic bone and your own bone. Because of this you may have two post-surgical wounds: the donor site and the recipient site.
No Nose Blowing
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BLOW YOUR NOSE OR SNEEZE HOLDING 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. Do not drink with straws and do not spit. Scuba diving and flying in pressurized aircraft may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided. Decongestants such as Drixoral, Dimetapp, or Sudafed will help reduce pressure in the sinuses. You will also be given a prescription for antibiotics. Please take these as directed. 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. If necessary you must call your physician to prescribe a smoking discontinuation regimen.
Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse or spit on the day of your surgery. This tends to disturb the blood clot, open the wound and can prolong bleeding and slow healing. You should not have a significant amount of blood in your mouth. Saliva can be swallowed, even if slightly blood tinged.
Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Start salt water rinses the day following your procedure. Use one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you like, but at least four to five times daily and always after eating for the next five days.
Do not brush the teeth in the area of surgery for 48 hours. When brushing, be very gentle. When expectorating, also be gentle.
We may prescribe an antibiotic rinse (Chlorhexadine, Periogard, Peridex) for certain procedures. This rinse should be used in the morning and at bedtime after routine mouth care. Do not eat or drink or rinse your mouth after using the medicated rinse. Using this rinse more than two times a day will cause staining of your teeth.
Smoking
Do not smoke for at least two weeks after surgery, if at all. As discussed at your consultation, smoking dramatically increases the risk of bone graft and sinus augmentation failure. Call your physician to prescribe a Nicoderm patch if you feel you need it.
Wearing your Prosthesis or Nightguards
Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery until your post-operative appointment unless specifically instructed otherwise. Please contact the office if there is any question. If you have a temporary “flipper” to wear do not place it until the numbness in the area is gone. When it is placed it should not touch the gums in the area of the surgery. If it does, this can cause ulceration of the wound edges and breakdown of the suture margins. This can lead to loss of the graft. If you have questions about the fit of your flipper, partial or complete denture, do not wear it until your general dentist or our office can see you.
Questions You May Have After Sinus Lift Surgery
What can I expect during the recovery period?
After sinus lift surgery, it is common to experience some swelling, minor bleeding from the nose or mouth, and a feeling of congestion. These symptoms typically peak within the first 48-72 hours and should gradually subside over the following days. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative care instructions to manage these symptoms.
How long does it take for the sinus lift to heal?
The initial healing phase, where the soft tissues heal, usually takes about 1-2 weeks. However, the full integration of the bone graft with your existing bone can take several months, often around 4-9 months, depending on the complexity of the surgery and individual healing rates.
What activities should I avoid after sinus lift surgery?
It’s crucial to avoid activities that increase pressure in your sinuses, such as blowing your nose, sneezing with your mouth closed, or engaging in strenuous exercise. These activities can disrupt the surgical site and the bone graft. Your surgeon may recommend avoiding air travel and high-altitude activities for a few weeks to prevent sinus pressure changes.
What should I eat after sinus lift surgery?
Stick to a soft, bland diet for the first few days following surgery to avoid irritating the surgical site. Cold foods like yogurt and smoothies can be soothing, while warm (not hot) soups and soft foods like mashed potatoes are ideal. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could disturb the graft area.
How should I care for the surgical site?
Follow your surgeon’s instructions for oral hygiene carefully. You may be advised to rinse gently with a prescribed mouthwash or a saltwater solution to keep the area clean. Avoid brushing the surgical site directly and be cautious not to disturb the stitches or bone graft.
What signs of complications should I watch for?
While complications are rare, watch for signs of infection, such as persistent swelling, severe pain, fever, or unusual discharge from the surgical site. Additionally, if you experience increased nasal discharge, nosebleeds, or a persistent feeling of pressure in the sinus area, contact your surgeon immediately.
When can I resume normal activities?
Light activities can usually be resumed a few days after surgery, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activities or anything that could cause an increase in sinus pressure for at least 1-2 weeks. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance on when it’s safe to return to your normal routine.
When should I schedule a follow-up appointment?
A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks after surgery to monitor healing progress. Your surgeon will also discuss the timeline for further treatments, such as dental implant placement, once the bone graft has fully integrated.
