Sinus lift
Today we carried out a sinus lift, a procedure that adds bone to the upper back part of the jaw. A few extra precautions are needed so that no pressure is put on the sinus while it heals.
What to do
- Apply an ice pack to the cheek, in 15-minute intervals, on the first day.
- Start your painkiller before the numbness wears off (dosage below) and complete the antibiotics and any decongestant or nasal spray you were given.
- On the day of surgery, do not rinse your mouth at all. From the next day, use chlorhexidine 0.12% twice a day for about a week (after brushing, ~30 seconds, without rinsing with water afterwards).
- Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first few nights.
- If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open. Eat soft and cool foods.
What to avoid
- Do not blow your nose or sniff inwards for 2 weeks.
- Do not drink through a straw, spit forcefully, or blow up balloons or play wind instruments.
- Do not smoke — it directly affects the success of the graft.
- Avoid air travel, diving and strenuous activity for as long as we tell you.
Pain & swelling
- Swelling and slight bruising of the cheek are normal and peak on the 2nd–3rd day.
- A small amount of blood from the nose or “pink” discharge in the first few days can occur and is usually not a concern.
- For pain: paracetamol (e.g. Depon) 1000 mg, up to four times a day. If that is not enough, add ibuprofen (Algofren) 600 mg every 8 hours (a safe combination, spaced out in time). Do not combine ibuprofen with other anti-inflammatories (e.g. Mesulid, Niflamol).
After the anaesthetic
- Do not eat or drink anything hot while you are still numb.
When to call us
- Persistent bleeding from the nose, or a feeling that air or fluid passes between your mouth and nose.
- Severe pain or swelling that worsens after the third day, or fever.