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470-239-42895520 Castleberry Rd., Suite 300, Cumming, GA 30040
Sinus lift post-op care

Post-Operative Instructions: Sinus Lift Surgery

A sinus lift adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of your molars and premolars to prepare for dental implant placement. Careful aftercare is especially important due to the proximity of the sinus cavity.

Bleeding

  • Light bleeding or oozing from the surgical site is normal for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Bite on gauze as instructed and replace as needed.
  • Some blood-tinged nasal discharge may occur — this is expected.

Sinus Precautions

These precautions are critical to protect the healing sinus membrane and bone graft.

  • Do not blow your nose for at least 2 weeks after surgery. If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open to avoid pressure buildup in the sinus.
  • Do not use a straw or create any suction in your mouth.
  • Do not hold your nose while sneezing — always let the sneeze release through your open mouth.
  • Avoid activities that increase sinus pressure — scuba diving, flying, playing wind instruments, or blowing up balloons.
  • If prescribed a nasal decongestant or saline spray, use as directed to keep the sinus passages open.

Swelling

  • Apply ice packs to the cheek area — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 48 hours.
  • Swelling may peak at 48 to 72 hours and then gradually subside.
  • Sleep with your head elevated on 2 to 3 pillows.

Pain Management

  • Take prescribed medications as directed, beginning before the numbness wears off.
  • Ibuprofen may be alternated with prescribed pain medication as instructed.
  • Complete any prescribed antibiotics in full.

Diet

  • Eat soft, lukewarm or cool foods for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Avoid chewing on the side of the surgery.
  • Do not eat hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods until cleared by Dr. Shin.
  • Stay well hydrated.

Oral Hygiene

  • Do not brush the surgical area for 48 hours.
  • After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals — do not swish vigorously.
  • Use chlorhexidine rinse if prescribed.
  • Continue brushing other teeth gently.

Activity

  • Rest and limit physical activity for at least 5 to 7 days.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and strenuous exercise, as these can increase pressure in the sinus area.
  • Do not smoke for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Smoking significantly impairs sinus and bone graft healing.

When to Contact Us

  • Persistent nosebleeds or heavy nasal drainage.
  • Feeling of air passing between your mouth and nose when breathing.
  • Pain or swelling that worsens after the first 3 to 4 days.
  • Fever, pus, or foul odor from the surgical site.
  • Sinus congestion or pressure that does not improve with prescribed medications.

Follow-up visits are essential to monitor your healing progress. If you have questions at any time, please contact our office at 470-239-4289.