PERIODONTAL POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Saul E. Grajales D.M.D., M.S.D.
4515 North 32nd Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Instructions after Sinus Lift Procedure
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 molars and occasionally the
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 of freeze-dried bone
and allograft.
Do not under any circumstances blow your nose for the next four weeks. This
may be longer if indicated. You may sniff all you like but no blowing.
1. CARE OF THE MOUTH: You should avoid eating hard food or drinking warm fluids
for at least 24 hours. Do not smoke until your next visit. Do not rub the face in the
area of surgery, and if you lie down, do not lie with any pressure against the surgical
area. No carbonated beverages or alcohol for at least a week after the surgical
procedure. No spitting, using a straw or rinsing for the first 24 hours.
2. ANTIBIOTICS: Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent
infection.
3. Oral hygiene: Do not rinse or spit on the day of the 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.
Use the prescribed mouthwash twice a day starting the day after the surgery. Do
not brush the teeth in the area of the surgery for 48 hours. When brushing, be
gentle. When spitting, also be gentle.
4. PAIN: Following all types of surgery a certain amount of discomfort or pain can be
expected. Usually this is slight and can be controlled by taking the prescribed
medications. Use the ice pack for one hour after the surgery only. Place the ice
pack in the surgical area in five minute intervals for one hour. Avoid clenching or
gritting teeth after periodontal surgery. Pressure on the teeth will cause pain.
5. 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.
6. SWELLING: A slight amount of swelling and discomfort is not unusual following this
procedure and usually goes away within two or three days. In most instances, these
problems can be prevented or controlled if the instructions in the previous
paragraphs are followed. If swelling persists for more than 24 hours, contact the
office or phone the doctor on his cell phone if it is after office hours.
7. BLEEDING: Do not rinse for the first 12 hours. Slow oozing may occur for several
hours. One drop of blood will discolor saliva to a light red color.
8. DIET: Eating should be avoided until numbness is gone following surgery. It is best
to restrict your diet to fluids and very soft foods until after your first follow up
appointment. Milk, eggs, custards, ice cream, ground meat, milkshakes and liquid
diet foods are all very nutritious and require little or no chewing. Chewing should be
done on the side opposite the surgical area.
9. 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.
10. Post Operative Problems or Complications: As with any procedure, unexpected postoperative healing can occur. If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids
between your mouth and nose, please let us know immediately.
If you are aware of several small particles of graft material being discharged from
your nose, let us know.
If there is an increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after three
days, let us know.
WARNING:
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, DRIVE OR OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY
WHILE TAKING NARCOTICS SUCH AS VICODIN OR PERCOCET.
ALWAYS TAKE MEDICATIONS WITH A FULL GLASS OF MILK OR FOOD TO AVOID
STOMACH UPSET.
FEMALE PATIENTS TAKING ANTIBIOTICS AND BIRTH CONTROL MEDICATIONS
SHOULD USE ANOTHER METHOD OF BIRTH CONTROL AND CHECK WITH YOUR
PHYSICIAN ABOUT WHEN THE CONTRACEPTIVE METHOD YOU ARE USING WILL BE
EFFECTIVE AGAIN.
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following
these instructions will assist you, but if you have any questions about your progress,
please call our office (602-956-0650) or my cellular phone (602-430-6274).