Surgical Instructions

After Sinus Lift Bone Graft

1. Do not, under any circumstances, blow your nose for the next four weeks. This may be longer if indicated by Drs. Fraser and Michaels. You may sniff all you want but no blowing.

2. Do not blow your nose or sneeze holding your nose. Sneeze with your mouth wide open. Avoid any activity that involves increased nasal pressure or oral pressure such as lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons, or sucking on a straw.

 
3. Do not spit or drink with straws. Scuba diving and flying in pressurized aircraft may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided. A decongestant such as Sudafed will help reduce pressure in the sinus.
 
4. Antibiotics may be prescribed after surgery. If prescribed an antibiotic by Drs. Fraser and Michaels, please take it as directed until completely gone.
 
5. 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.
 
6. Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Start salt water rinses the day following the procedure. Use 1/2 teaspoonful of salt dissolved in an 8 oz glass of warm water and GENTLY rinse your mouth with portions of the solution. Repeat as often as you like, but at least 4-5 times daily and always after eating for the next 10 days. Do not rinse so vigorously as to force salt-water into the surgical wound and reflux out through your nose.
 
7. Do not brush your teeth in the area of the surgery for 48 hours. When brushing, be very gentle. Do not tear out the stitches.
 
8. Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery, if at all. As discussed with Drs. Fraser and Michaels at your consultation appointment, smoking dramatically increases the risk of bone graft and sinus augmentation infection and failure.
 
9. Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery until your post-operative appointment unless specifically instructed by Drs. Fraser and Michaels.