Welcome Fairfax Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SINUS LIFT PROCEDURES

The sinus lift procedure entails lifting the lining of the sinus cavity and placing artificial bone to increase vertical height for placement of implants.

What to expect after surgery:

Swelling (peaks 24-48 hours after surgery)
Bleeding
Numbness due to anesthesia for up to six hours
Discomfort for several days
Facial and sinus pressure
You may notice white particles within the mouth several days after surgery
If suture was placed, it will dissolve

Please follow these instructions:

Drink plenty of liquids
Bleeding lasts several hours after surgery – place gauze in area for 20-30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Avoid salty, spicy, crunchy, and citric foods.
Avoid mouthwashes – rinse with saltwater three times per day for one week.
Avoid hot foods or liquids while still numb
Soft diet for the first 24 hours
To reduce swelling, elevate head and apply ice to the face, use moist heat to reduce swelling after the first 24 hours

Sinus Precautions

Do not blow your nose – use nasal saline spray as needed.
Sneeze with your mouth open, do not hold your sneeze in.
Do not lift heavy objects or bend over.
Use sinus decongestants as directed by your physician.

Continue following these instructions until directed otherwise.

Antibiotics and Pain Medications
Have any prescriptions filled promptly and take as directed. Non-narcotic medications (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol) should be taken as soon as possible and repeated as prescribed for the first several days. Narcotic pain medication can be taken in addition if pain relief is not adequate. However, when narcotic pain medications (Percocet, Vicodin, Tylenol with Codeine) are taken, you should not operate automobiles or other power equipment. Antibiotics, when prescribed, should be taken as indicated until gone. If a rash or swelling develops, discontinue the antibiotic immediately and call the office to inform your doctor.

Oral Hygiene and Smoking
It is important to maintain oral hygiene so that the wound will heal properly and not become infected. Smokers are advised not to smoke for five to seven days after surgery. Drawing on a cigarette may disturb the blood clot and thus interfere with the healing process.

Physical Activities
Please reduce activities for 3 days following surgery.

Call your Doctor if:

You have signs of infection, sudden swelling, or fever
You have a reaction to any of the medications
You experience prolonged bleeding
Pain increases and/or your condition worsens

You have any questions regarding the surgery or post-surgery instructions. If calling after business hours, you will be directed to a paging system or call 301-206-5733 and a doctor will promptly return your call

Members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons	Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
* * Board Eligible * Emeritus

Fairfax VA
703-385-5777
Reston VA
703-435-7100
Centreville VA
703-266-0026
Burke VA
703-764-2077
Woodbridge VA
703-672-4200

Oral Surgery Website: