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 dental 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 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. Because of this you may have two post-surgical wounds: the donor site and the recipient site.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT SIX (6) WEEKS. This may be longer if indicated.

Do not blow your nose or sneeze holding your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open. Do not drink with straws and do not spit. Decongestants such as Drixoral, Dimetapp, or Sudafed will help reduce pressure in the sinuses. You will 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 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. Smoking must be stopped.

Antibiotics

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

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used three times daily, after meals. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt-water rinses (one half-teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be alternated at least three to four times a day.

Remember: a clean mouth heals better and faster.

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.

Wearing your Prosthesis or Nightguards

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery until your post-operative appointment unless specifically instructed otherwise. Please contact the office if there are any questions: Anchorage Oral and Implant Surgery Office Phone Number 907-562-9939. 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 can adjust it.

Post-Operative Problems or Complications

As with any procedure, unexpected post-operative healing can occur.

• If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose, please let us know immediately: Anchorage Oral and Implant Surgery Office Phone Number 907-562-9939.
• If you are aware of several small particles of graft material being discharged from your nose, let us know as well.
• If you experience sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed, let us know.
• If there is an increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after 3 days, let us know.

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. Please try to call us at Anchorage Oral and Implant Surgery Office Phone Number 907-562-9939 during office hours; however a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact us.