Post-Operative Instructions
ACTIVITY: After leaving our dental office today, we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity or aerobic exercise for the next 3 days.
DISCOMFORT: Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. You have been given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) analgesic. Please take one tab every 8 hours for the first 3 days. This drug will greatly decrease the possibility of post-surgical swelling and pain and has been shown to accelerate healing.
After the first 3 days, 2 Tylenol, or 2 Advil taken every 4-6 hours as needed, should keep you comfortable. Should intense discomfort occur at any time after the surgery, please take the narcotic medication (if one has been prescribed for you), as directed, or telephone D. Bradley Dean, DDS and he will phone in a narcotic prescription for you. You may take both the narcotic and NSAID together. Their analgesic effect will be synergistic.
INFECTION: If you have been given an antibiotic please continue taking it, one tablet every 5-6 hours, or three time per day until all of the tablets have been taken. If you notice a few days after surgery, that pain or swelling are increasing or that you are experiencing an elevated temperature, please call D. Bradley Dean, DDS.
SWELLING: It is normal for some swelling to occur after surgery, particularly in the lower jaw. To minimize swelling after surgery, apply an ice bag wrapped in a light tea towel or handkerchief to the outside of your face over the operated area.
This should be left on your face for about 20 minutes, then removed for 20 minutes, or alternated from side-to-side, between operated areas, for 2-3 hours after surgery. The use of both ice and the NSAID analgesic as described above will reduce the amount and duration of facial swelling.
BLEEDING: It is common to have slight bleeding for a few hours following surgery. If bleeding persists, apply a tea bag to the surgical site with firm but gentle pressure for 15-20 minutes. Let yourself rest for 15 minutes then repeat the application of the tea bag for a second time if you still have slight bleeding.
If excessive bleeding continues, please call our office. Remember, most of the blood you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva. Blood is a very strong “dye” and a little bit of blood will color your saliva dramatically.
ORAL HYGIENE: Brushing and oral hygiene procedures should be done as usual in all untreated areas. In exposed, operated areas limit your oral hygiene to brushing using a soft bristled toothbrush. In areas covered by periodontal dressing, you should brush only the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Avoid dental flossing in operated areas during the first week following surgery. No undiluted mouthwash, salt water or peroxide rinses should be used during the first week following surgery. Also avoid the use of water irrigation devices such as Water-piks for 1 month following surgery.
The exposed operated areas should be gently swabbed with a Q-tip (cotton tipped applicator) saturated with Peridex (Chlorhexidine) as a last oral hygiene procedure at bedtime and again in the morning, after eating and drinking.
EATING AND DRINKING: Do not try to eat until all the anesthesia (numbness) has worn off. High protein foods and liquids are desirable for 3-5 days following surgery. Semi-solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done comfortably. Eggs, custard, yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, casseroles, cooked cereals are some things that you might consider eating during the first few days following your surgery. Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids.
Also, avoid nuts, chips or other crunchy or fibrous foods which may become caught between your teeth. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic or carbonated beverages for 48 hours after surgery. No smoking or drinking through a straw for 48 hours after surgery.
The following nutritional supplements have been found to aid in surgical healing. Taking the following dosages for at least 4-6 weeks following your surgery can enhance healing:
- Multi-vitamin with minerals: Take once a day.
- Calcium: Take 500mg twice daily.
- Vitamin E: Take 400mg once daily.
- Vitamin C: Take 1000mg once daily.
These nutritional supplements are all over the counter (OTC) items and may be purchased at a drug store, health food store or the health food section of many grocery stores.
USE OF REMOVABLE DENTAL APPLIANCES: If you normally wear a removable appliance which replaces missing teeth, and it rests on the operated area where dental implant(s) have been placed, do not use this appliance as any pressure on the surgical site could be detrimental to the healing of the dental implant(s) as well as cause discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there risks associated with sinus augmentation?
Sinus augmentation is generally safe, but it carries some risks like any surgery. The main concerns are infection, sinus membrane damage, or the bone graft not taken properly. Most complications are minor and treatable. We carefully evaluate each patient’s anatomy and medical history to minimize any risks.
Is sinus lift a major surgery?
A sinus lift is not considered major surgery, but it is more complex than basic dental procedures. It’s typically done on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia or sedation. While it requires careful planning and precision, recovery is generally straightforward.
How painful is a sinus lift for an implant?
A sinus lift is usually not very painful. The area is numbed during the procedure so you won’t feel pain. Afterward, you might have mild swelling, discomfort, or sinus pressure. However, you can manage these symptoms with pain relievers, which typically subside within a few days.
How long does it take for sinus augmentation to heal?
Sinus augmentation healing takes about 4 to 6 months. This allows the bone graft to integrate fully with your natural bone and create a stable implant foundation. We will monitor your progress during this time to ensure proper healing.
Can I get a sinus lift and implant at the same time?
Sometimes, we can do a sinus lift and implant in one procedure. It depends on how much natural bone you have and its quality. If you have enough bone to stabilize the implant, we can do both at once. If not, we’ll first need to let the bone graft heal for a few months. We’ll take detailed X-rays to determine the best approach for your case.
Does dental insurance cover a sinus lift?
A sinus lift may be covered by insurance if it’s deemed medically necessary, such as to prepare for dental implants after bone loss. However, coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason for the procedure. Cosmetic or elective sinus lifts are less likely to be covered. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and potential out-of-pocket costs.
We want your treatment to provide as positive a healing experience as possible. If you are having any problems or have any questions, not covered in these guidelines, please free to call the office at any time. D. Bradley Dean, DDS can be reached after hours at 1-866-248-8350.