A sinus lift is often a necessary prelude to molar implants, ensuring sufficient bone height for the implantation process. The procedure involves a graft of real or synthetic bone.
During recovery, you will have at least one surgical wound, where the graft was performed, and possibly a second wound if the graft material was taken from another area of your body.
The healing process for a sinus lift is quite delicate, and you will need to take special care not to damage the graft.
Medication
You will receive prescriptions for antibiotics and painkillers. Take them with food, unless otherwise instructed.
Begin treating your pain at the first sign of the anesthetic wearing off. Waiting will make the pain more difficult to control. If, after a few days, you do not feel that you need to take every prescribed dose of your painkillers, feel free to reduce your intake to a level you are comfortable with.
Do NOT skip any doses of antibiotics, or stop taking them before the prescribed course is complete.
Never exceed the daily maximums for any medication, mix medications without a doctor’s approval, or operate heavy machinery (including cars) while using an unfamiliar prescription medication.
Avoiding sinus pressure
It is absolutely essential that you avoid creating any pressure in your sinuses during the four weeks following your procedure. To allow your sinus lift time to heal, DO NOT:
- Blow your nose (sniffing is fine)
- Sneeze with your mouth closed or nose covered
- Smoke
- Drink through a straw
- Inflate any inflatable object by mouth
- Play any wind instrument
- Fly in an airplane
- Scuba dive
- Perform any activity that involves straining or “bearing down.”
Over-the-counter decongestants can help you protect your sinus lift more comfortably. For the best chance of preventing graft rejection, continue not smoking for a full six months.
Hygiene
Do not brush your teeth or spit for the first 24 hours, and do not brush near the surgical site for the first 48 hours.
Starting on the second day of recovery, and continuing through the fifth, clean your mouth with a saline rinse four or five times each day. Prepare the rinse by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and always use it after eating.
You may also receive a prescription mouthwash to use twice a day in addition to saline rinses.
Be extremely gentle with all rinsing and spitting.
Eating and drinking
Stick to liquids for the first day and soft foods, like pudding or eggs, for several days afterward. Avoid alcohol for at least a week, and do not place any pressure on the surgical site until the doctor approves it.
Prosthesis use
Sinus lift patients are usually understandably eager to wear their prostheses. Unfortunately, attempting to dial in the fit of these devices while the surgical site is still healing can cause serious complications for the bone graft
Typically, you will need to wait until your first follow-up appointment to start wearing your dentures or flippers. If you receive a temporary flipper designed for immediate wear, be sure to discuss safe usage with the doctor, and wait at least until the anesthesia has completely worn off.
When to call the office
Call us immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Fever that exceeds 101 degrees or persists beyond 24 hours.
- Swelling that does not improve after the first three days.
- Nasal or sinus congestion that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
- Gritty, bone-like fragments falling out of the nose or sinus area.
- Unusual airflow or liquid transfer between nose and mouth.
When in doubt, call us. Post-op support is essential dental care, and we pride ourselves on providing the best.