Sinus Lift Instructions
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) WEEKS. This may be longer if indicated. NO BLOWING.
The following information applies when upper jawbone height or width have been lost. The graft is placed to help restore your jawbone in preparation for possible implant replacement of the missing tooth or teeth.
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 the second premolar. It allows implant placement in an area that could not be implanted otherwise because of insufficient bone height due to bone loss.
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.
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 Sudafed will help reduce pressure in the sinuses. You will most likely 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 is prohibited and Dr. Hilmi will prescribe nicotine patches.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.
Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse or spit on for 24 hours following surgery. This may dislodge the forming blood clot causing bleeding and delayed 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 saltwater rinses the day following your procedure. Use one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in an eight-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 a period of 72 hours. Brush gently after 72 hours. When expectorating(spitting), also be gentle.
We prescribe Peridex (Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12%) rinse for most of our procedures. This rinse should be used in the morning and at bedtime after routine oral care. You must rinse with one tablespoon for 60 seconds. Do not eat or drink or rinse your mouth after using the medicated rinse for a period of 30 minutes.
Smoking
Do not smoke for a period of one month after surgery, this is an excellent opportunity to quit. As discussed at your consultation, smoking dramatically increases the risk of bone graft and sinus surgery failure.
Prosthetics
Dentures should not be used immediately after surgery. The doctor will reinforce these instructions.
Post-Operative Complications
As with any procedure, unexpected post-operative complications can occur. If you notice air or liquids between your mouth and nose, please let us know immediately 845-340-1962.
- If you are aware of several small particles of graft material being discharged from your nose, let us know as well.
- If you experience sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed, let us know.
- If there is an increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after three days, let us know.
We want you to have an uneventful recovery. Follow our instructions closely, but if you have questions please call the office. We are available 24 hours daily at 845-340-1962.