Post-Operative Instructions for Sinus Lift

Here is what you can expect after your surgery:

• Bleeding: There may be small amounts of blood in the saliva, which can create a noticeable red color. However, do not worry! This is completely normal, and you may experience it throughout the day of your surgery.
• Pain: You may notice mild to moderate discomfort and soreness when the anesthetic first wears off, and this may even continue for a few days.
• Swelling: Discoloration and swelling of the lip and/or cheek may occur and can last for a few days after your procedure.
• Sensation: You may temporarily lose feeling in your gums around the area of operation. Your teeth may also feel loose during this time, and they can be sensitive to hot or and cold temperatures.

What to do after your surgery:

• Rest and avoid strenuous activities like sports for the remainder of the day. Keeping your blood pressure low will reduce bleeding and speed up the healing process.
• Take two Advil, Tylenol, Nuprin, or similar non-aspirin pain relieves every 3 to 4 hours to maintain your comfort until bedtime. You should also take it before the anesthesia wears off from your procedure.
• If we prescribe you with pain medication, take when needed but never exceed the dose on the label. This medication should be taken with food or milk to avoid nausea.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking prescription pain medication. Additionally, don’t mix alcohol with your medication.
• One of the most common causes of nausea is taking pain medication on an empty stomach. You can reduce this issue by taking each pill after eating soft food and drinking a large glass of water.
• You can minimize swelling by applying a cold compress to the side of your face that was operated on. Apply the ice pack for 15 minutes and then remove it for q5 minutes. Repeat this throughout the first day.
• Eat only soft foods for the first 2 to 4 days, ensuring that you consume a nutritious and balanced diet. You should also be drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Do not drink through a straw and avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours.
• Please avoid chewing on the side of the affected area until your sutures are removed.
• Be sure to brush all of your teeth after each meal but avoid the operated area for the first day.
• Avoid rinsing vigorously and do not use a Waterpik®.
• Use a saltwater solution—mix ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of soda into 8 ounces of warm water. Hold this solution in your mouth for 2 to 3 minutes every hour to make your mouth more comfortable.
• Do not blow your nose or play any wind musical instruments for at least 1 week. If you have a stuffy nose, use decongestion medication instead of blowing it.
• Do not lift your lip up with your fingers to check out the operated area because it may accidentally tear the sutures, open the incision, and delay your healing.
• Smoking should be stopped after your surgery because the cigarette chemicals can substantially reduce the success of the healing process.
• Take your antibiotics for the indicated length of time even if you don’t feel any symptoms. Women of childbearing age should keep in mind that antibiotics can possibly reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, which is why they’re recommended to use an additional form of contraception during this time.
• We also may instruct you to use a prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• We will notify you when to return to our dental office for the removal of your sutures as well as follow-up of appointments to check on your health.

Call us right away if you have:

• Uncontrollable pain
• Excessive or severe bleeding
• Marked fever
• Warm swelling that is excessive and occurs a few days after your procedure
• Reactions to medications like itching, rash, or breathing problems

Following these instructions carefully will dramatically increase your comfort and promote smooth healing of the operated area. If these steps aren’t followed closely, you may have more significant discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be negatively impacted.