After Sinus Lift

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 a single tooth or multiple missing teeth. This procedure is commonly done in the posterior upper jaw.

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 premolar. 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.

The bone that has been grafted is most commonly a combination freeze-dried bone, artificial synthetic bone and your own bone. Dr. Roccia, Dr. Marsh, Dr. Singh or Dr. Faigen would be happy to discuss the specifics of your case at the time of consultation. Specific oral and written postoperative instructions will also be provided.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) 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 drink with straws and do not spit. Scuba diving and flying in pressurized aircraft may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided. Decongestants will help reduce pressure in the sinuses and will be prescribed by Drs. Roccia, Marsh, Singh or Faigen if indicated. You may also be given a prescription for antibiotics. Please take these as directed. Anything that causes pressure in your nasal cavity must be avoided. Avoid bearing downas 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 must be stopped. If necessary Drs. Roccia, Marsh, Singh or Faigen can direct your care towards nicotine replacement, medication or smoking cessation programs.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse or spit on the day of your surgery. This tends to disturb the blood clot, open the wound and can prolong bleeding and slow 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 salt water rinses the day following your procedure. Use one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 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 48 hours. When brushing, be very gentle. When expectorating, also be gentle.

Drs. Roccia, Marsh, Singh or Faigen may prescribe an antibiotic rinse (Chlorhexadine, Periogard, Peridex) for certain procedures. This rinse should be used two to three times a day after routine mouth care. Do not eat, drink or rinse your mouth after using the medicated rinse.

Smoking

Do not smoke for at least two weeks after surgery, if at all. As discussed at your consultation, smoking dramatically increases the risk of bone graft and sinus augmentation failure. Drs. Roccia, Marsh, Singh or Faigen can direct you towards nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation programs.

Wearing your Prosthesis or Night guards

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery unless specifically instructed otherwise. Please contact the office if there is any question. If you have a temporary flipper to wear do not place it until the numbness in the area is gone. When it is placed it should not touch the gums in the area of the surgery. If it does, this can cause ulceration of the wound edges and breakdown of the suture margins. This can lead to loss of the graft. If you have questions about the fit of your flipper, partial or complete denture, do not wear it until your general dentist or our office can see you.

Post-Operative Problems or Complications

As with any procedure, unexpected post-operative healing can occur. Please notify the office immediately should any of the following occur following graft placement.

  • If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose.
  • If you are aware of several small particles of graft material being discharged from your nose.
  • If you experience sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed.
  • If there is an increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after 3 days.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office. Drs. Roccia, Marsh, Singh or Faigen are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to better care for our patients.