After Sinus Lift
The following information applies to those who’ve lost upper jaw bone height or width. We place the bone graft to aid in the restoration of your jawbone, so it is ready for possible implant(s) to replace a missing tooth or teeth.
Sinus Lift Augmentation is a procedure in your upper jaw which allows us to regain lost bone height, primarily around the first and second molars, and occasionally the second premolar. This procedure is important because it ultimately allows us to place implants in areas that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to due to insufficient bone height or enlarged sinus.
The bone we grafted is typically a combination of freeze-dried bone, synthetic bone, and your own bone. Because some of the bone is yours, you may have two separate wounds – a donor site, and a recipient site.
DO NOT, FOR ANY REASON, BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) WEEKS. If indicated, this period may be longer. It is okay to sniff as much as you’d like, but NO BLOWING.
Additionally, DO NOT:
- Sneeze while holding your nose. Instead, sneeze with your mouth open.
- Drink with straws
- Spit
- Smoke. If needed, Dr. Davies will prescribe Nicoderm patches.
- Go scuba diving or fly in pressurized aircraft, if possible, as these can increase sinus pressure, and should be avoided
- Bear down, such as when lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require blowing
- Any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure
Decongestants like Drixoral, Dimetapp, and Sudafed will help reduce sinus pressure, if necessary.
Antibiotics
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. It is crucial that you complete the entire prescription as directed, even if you feel well. Only discontinue in the event of a rash or other reaction. If you have any questions, please call our office.
Oral Hygiene
On the day of your surgery, DO NOT rinse or spit, as this may disrupt the blood clot that is forming, open the wound, and slow the time it takes to heal. You should not see a large amount of blood in your mouth or saliva, but if you do, it is okay to swallow your saliva.
You must keep your mouth clean after surgery to reduce the chances of developing an infection. The day after the procedure, you should begin saltwater rinses. This should be done by dissolving a ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water and then taking 5 minutes to work through the entire glass, gently rinsing and spitting. You can repeat this as frequently as you’d like, but at least 4-5 times each day and always after you’ve finished eating for the next 5 days.
DO NOT brush your teeth near the surgical site for the first 48 hours. Be very gentle when you brush and also when you spit, avoiding any forceful motions.
Dr. Davies may prescribe an antibiotic rinse, such as Clorhexadine, Periogard, or Peridex. You should use the rinse in the morning and at bedtime with your routine oral care. Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth immediately after using the medicated rinse. Using the rinse more than twice per day can lead to teeth staining.
DO NOT smoke for at least two weeks after your surgery, and consider quitting altogether. Smoking dramatically increases the chances the bone graft and augmentation will fail. If you feel you need it, Dr. Davies can prescribe you a Nicoderm patch.
Wearing Your Prosthesis or Nightguards
Partial or full dentures and flippers should not be worn immediately after your surgery unless otherwise instructed, until your post-operative appointment. If you have any questions about this, please contact our office. If we’ve given you a temporary flipper to wear, do not place it until after the numbness has worn off. Once placed, it should not touch the gums in the area of the surgery. Doing so can cause ulceration of the edges of the wound, as well as break down the margins of the sutures, ultimately leading to loss of the graft. If you are unsure about the fit of your flipper, or partial or full denture, do not wear it until you’re seen by your general dentist or by our office.
Post-Operative Problems or Complications
It is possible, as with any surgical procedure, that unexpected healing can occur afterward. If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids between your oral and nasal cavities, please call our office immediately.
If you notice multiple small particles of graft material coming from your nose, let us know.
Let us know if you have sinus or nasal congestion on the side we performed the surgery.
If you notice an increase in mouth swelling, or under your eye after 3 days, let us know.
We want your recovery to go as smoothly as possible. Following the directions we’ve provided for you will help this, but if you have questions about your healing, please give us a call. We recommend calling during office hours, but if it is urgent, we have a 24-hour answering service to reach the doctor. That number is the same as our regular number (919) 367-6203, but will direct to the answering service after hours.