Sinus Lift Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery from a Sinus Lift

Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions can improve your recovery experience. Recovery from a sinus lift is different for everyone, and most patients report little or no discomfort when these guidelines are closely followed.

Post-Surgical Symptoms You May Experience: 

• Swelling around the treated sinus area and cheeks
• Slight bleeding from the nose or mouth 
• Mild to moderate discomfort 
• Nasal congestion or pressure from sinus

Adhering to the postoperative instructions provided by your dentist is highly recommended for the best outcome. 

Post-Operative Instructions

Good postoperative care helps to avoid complications and enables fast recovery. A few important post-operative instructions are as follows:

1. Managing Swelling and Pain 

• Use ice packs on the affected area of the cheek for the first 24-48 hours to minimize swelling. 
• After that use pain medication as prescribed by your 
• Be mindful of strenuous activities, including exercise, and avoid them for at least a week to limit additional swelling and bleeding.

2. Do Not Blow Your Nose Or Sneeze Forcefully 

• Bone graft movement and delayed graft healing occur from forceful or aggressive nose blowing or sneezing. 
• If you have to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open to reduce pressure on the sinus.

3. Dietary Recommendations

• For a few days, limit the diet to soft food like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup. 
• Steer clear of hard, crunchy or hot foods to avoid irritating the surgical site. 
• Drink lots of water, and avoid straws, as suction can dislodge healing tissue.

4. Oral Hygiene After a Sinus Lift

• Dental Hygiene Following a Sinus Lift It is very important to prevent any infection to the surgical site as well as for proper healing. be gentle towards the surgical area. 
• No brushing at the graft site for a few days.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash per how prescribed.
• Use saline rinse or warm saltwater to reduce swelling. 
• Resume gentle brushing and flossing avoiding direct contact with the surgical site.

5. The Role of Night Guards

For patients wearing a night guard is beneficial if they have undergone a sinus lift. They are able to insert your tooth into the appropriate position. Talk to your dentist to see if a custom night guard is needed along with the your recovery.

6. Avoid Smoking

Smoking slows down the healing process, and puts you at risk for infection. Chemicals in tobacco decrease blood flow which can result in graft failure. Smoking before and after your sinus lift is highly discouraged to promote successful healing process. 

Post-Operative Complications 

Though the majority, sinus lift procedures heal successfully, there are some

complications that can occur. Call your dentist if you have: 

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding 
• Sever or rising pain following the initial few days 
• Swelling or pus that does not go away (indication of infection) 
• Fever or flu-like symptoms 
• Nasal drainage of pieces of bone unexpectedly

The Path to a Successful Dental Implant 

A sinus lift, for some patients, is an important step towards successful dental implants. A proper post surgery care (as advised by the dentist) along with good oral hygiene and avoiding smoking can have a great impact on recovery. If you’re considering a dental implant in Philadelphia but are unsure whether or not you will need bone grafting for dental implant? Call us at (215) 996-7030 or schedule a consultation on our website.At Razavi Dental we make sure you have the best possible outcome for your smile!