What is a sinus lift?
Sinus lift surgery, also known as sinus augmentation, is a procedure your dentist may recommend to make room for dental implants and make the implant process easier. Some people do not have sufficient bone support to secure the implants due to bone loss. A sinus lift or augmentation can help regain the lost bone height in the upper jaw by lifting the maxillary sinus and allowing room for dental implant placement.
Why is it needed?
A sinus lift or augmentation becomes necessary if you have a missing tooth or jaw bone at the back of your jaw near your sinuses.
Loss of the jawbone may occur because of :
- Periodontal disease
- Congenital disabilities
- Cancer
- Natural variations
- Other medical conditions
The bone graft is typically a combination of artificial synthetic bone, freeze-dried bone, and your own bone. When you use your own bone, you will have two post-surgical wounds- that o the donor bone and where the sinus surgery has occurred, the recipient site.
Once you have undergone a sinus lift, you must follow these five post-operative instructions to have a fast recovery, avoid unnecessary discomfort and complications:
Use an ice-pack
After the procedure, it is normal to have swelling around your mouth, eyes, cheeks, and the side of your face where the surgery was performed. The swelling may last for 2-3 days. Reduce the swelling by placing ice packs beneath your eyes and next to your nose over the swollen area. Place the icepacks for 5-10 minutes at a time several times a day. Take breaks using the ice packs to prevent cold injury to the skin.
Use pillows while sleeping
Keep your head elevated overnight by propping your head up on several pillows. This will help with the swelling and bruising on the face. Avoid lying flat if you can. Using pillows will also lessen your chance of developing a black eye in the area.
Avoid blowing your nose, spitting, and straw-usage
Do not blow your nose for a minimum of 10 days after the procedure. Blowing your nose may cause a hole or an opening in your sinus lining. Spitting, smoking, heavy lifting, or use of straws may also cause bleeding and impair the surgical site. Therefore, avoid all vigorous activities for at least ten days.
Sneeze with your mouth
You can’t stop your sneezes but try to control them for approximately four weeks. Sneeze with your mouth open rather than your nose. Sneezing through your nose can increase your chances of bleeding and complications in the sinus lift wound. Take Sudafed or consult your doctor if you feel congested.
Brush your teeth and keep your mouth clean
You should brush your teeth the night of your surgery and maintain good oral hygiene during the recovery process. Do not rinse with force. Instead, take water in your mouth, gently swirl it around, and drip it out in the sink applying no pressure. Follow a regular schedule for brushing your teeth since it will keep away unwanted bacteria and reduce your infection risk.
About Premier Oral Surgery
At Premier Oral Surgery, we aim to provide the most advanced and comprehensive oral care. We specialize in providing several kinds of oral and maxillofacial surgeries and treatments, such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, IV sedation, and bone grafts. In addition, our staff includes CPR-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants. To know more, you can leave us a message or call us at 203-939-9390. You can also get in touch by email at info@premieroralsurgeryct.com.
