After Sinus Lift Bone Graft

The following information applies when upper jaw bone 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 second pre-molar. 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. FORCEFULLY BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT TWO 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 forcefully spit for several days.
  • Do not drink with a straw for several days.
  • Do not smoke for several days.

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.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal. In order to decrease bleeding and form the necessary blood clot for healing, please bite on (do not chew) the provided gauze for approximately 45 minutes. Additional gauze is provided in the instance the initial gauze becomes saturated. To place a new gauze dressing, first moisten the gauze with water, fold it in half, place over the surgical site and bite down. A small amount of blood may ooze overnight.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. Swelling peaks in 48-72 hours and then gradually decreases. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs to the area of surgery, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first 24-36 hours. After 36 hours ice is ineffective.

Discomfort

Some discomfort after surgery can be expected. You should begin taking pain medication prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate discomfort, 2-3 Advil (400-600mg Ibuprofen), may be taken every 5-6 hours. For greater discomfort, the prescription medication can be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you have an allergy to it. Do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol if taking prescription pain medication.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink anything hot for the first day. This tends to dissolve the blood clot and can burn the anesthetized tissue. Please eat a normal healthy diet but avoid hard foods such as popcorn and nacho chips. Soft foods and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, you may gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. water) 8 hours after surgery. Continue the rinses 4-5 times a day for the first few days. The day after surgery, the prescription mouth rinse (if prescribed) should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to gently rinse for at least 30 seconds then let it roll out of your mouth. Do not swallow or spit vigorously. You may also gently brush your teeth being extra careful around the surgical site.

Discoloration / Bruising

In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of yellow, green, or blue discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal postoperative occurrence, which may occur two to three days post-operatively.

Antibiotics

If you have been prescribed antibiotics, be sure to continue to take the tablets or liquid as directed to help prevent infection.  Call the office if you have any questions.

Activity

Keep physical activity to a minimum immediately following surgery.  Please rest and engage in minimal activity for the first 2-3 days. Starting the third postoperative day, you may begin resuming normal activity.  If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur.

If you have any questions regarding these instructions please ask Dr. Philibin or one of our staff. If any questions arise after leaving our office do not hesitate to call our office at Warren Office Phone Number 330-856-7111.

Once again, thank you for choosing our office for your oral surgery needs.