Sinus lifts are a type of bone grafting provided in the upper jaw. The bone that has been grafted in is most commonly a combination of freeze-dried bone, artificial synthetic bone and your own bone tissue. Because of this, you may have two post-surgical sites: the donor site and the recipient site.

After your sinus lift procedure:

• DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR FOUR (4) WEEKS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. You may sniff, but do not blow.
• Avoid all activities that could cause pressure in your nasal cavity.
• If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open. Do not hold your nose.
• Do not drink with straws.
• Do not spit.
• Do not go scuba diving or fly in a pressurized aircraft.
• Take decongestants as needed to help reduce pressure in the sinuses.
• Avoid bearing down, such as when lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons or playing a musical instrument that involves a blowing action.
• Avoid smoking for at least two weeks.
• Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed.

Oral hygiene after your procedure:

• Do not rinse or spit on the day of your surgery.
• Start saltwater rinses the day after your procedure. Use ½ teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat at least four to five times daily, including after eating, for the next five days.
• Do not brush the teeth in the area of the surgical site for 48 hours.
• When brushing and spitting, be very gentle.
• We may prescribe an antibiotic rinse — please use this as directed.

Oral appliances after sinus lift surgery:

• Do not wear an oral appliance immediately after your surgery. Avoid wearing appliances until your post-op treatment unless instructed otherwise. Contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Contact our office immediately if you notice any of the following problems:

• An unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose
• Small particles of graft material being discharged from your nose
• Sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed
• An increase in swelling in your mouth or cheek or under your eye after three days