Sinus Lift Aftercare
A sinus lift is performed for patients who want to replace a missing back molar and have insufficient height and density in the upper jawbone to support the implant. The poor bone quality in the upper jaw can be due to enlarged sinuses. A sinus lift, also called sinus augmentation, involves grafting bone to the upper jaw to add width and height to the area before placing a dental implant. At Town Center Dental of LaGrange, Dr. Paes is qualified and equipped to offer sinus lift procedures with the highest level of precision and care.
Our office uses cone beam 3D technology to gather the most accurate measurements of the upper jawbone and its detailed relationship with the sinus cavity. This tells Dr. Paes exactly how much bone needs to be grafted in order to successfully support a dental implant. During the procedure, Dr. Paes will use special instruments to cut a small window in the back wall of the maxillary sinus. This will not damage the underlying tissue or impact the sinus membrane. Next, the sinus membrane is gently lifted so that the bone graft material can be placed on the top of the sinus floor.
While the procedure is safe, very straightforward and highly effective, a sinus lift does require special aftercare instructions. The following recommendations will facilitate your healing and give you the highest chance for successful implant placement:
Control and Monitor Bleeding
You will be given a gauze pack to bite down on when you leave the office after your surgery. Maintain firm pressure on the gauze to control bleeding at the surgical site; replace your gauze as needed. Any excessive bleeding or pooling of bright red blood should be reported to our office immediately. You can expect a tiny amount of clear or slightly bloody nasal discharge as well.
Apply Ice
Immediately following your surgery, it is best to apply ice on the face to minimize bruising and swelling around the nose, cheeks and under the eyes. Apply the ice on and off for 30 minutes at a time, for the first 48 hours if possible. This will also help to reduce your discomfort.
Take Prescribed Medications
You should continue the antibiotic that was given to you prior to surgery as well as the decongestant. Your pain medication should be taken as needed according to your specific instructions from Dr. Paes.
Do NOT blow your nose for the next four weeks
Sniffing is fine, but blowing can disrupt the healing of the bone graft.
Do NOT rinse or spit for the first 72 hours or longer
Protecting the surgical wound and the body’s natural healing process is important. Any rinsing or spitting can dislodge healthy blood clots that form to seal off the wound.
Do NOT brush your teeth next to the surgery site for 48 hours
It is best to avoid direct contact on and around the wound for the first couple of days. Not only can brushing around the area cause discomfort, but it may delay healing.
Do NOT engage in excessive activity
For a recommended period of time following your sinus lift, you may be asked to limit physical activity. While you want to prevent any trauma to the surgical site, it is also important to avoid excess blood flow and decrease sinus pressure so that the surgical site can heal properly.
Do NOT drink through a straw or consume carbonated beverages for at least 3 days
Drinking through a straw and choosing carbonated drinks can dislodge the blood clot and open the wound. Avoid this potential source of irritation and sip slowly on beverages that are non-carbonated.
Do NOT smoke!
Smoking cigarettes can not only delay healing, but it can cause your entire procedure to fail. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means proper blood flow is reduced enough to slow down or prohibit healing after surgery. Smoking also lowers your immune system and increases your risk for infection.
Avoid stretching your lip
You may experience tightness or fullness in the area of the graft placement; this is normal. Avoid pulling your lip to inspect the area as this can disrupt the wound.
Do NOT wear your temporary denture or flipper too soon
Follow Dr. Paes’ instructions on when to wear your temporary denture again. You should not put it back in when your gums are still numb, and you may need to wait until your sutures are removed.
These are important post-operative instructions that will help you recover faster and easier. With a sinus lift, you can expect a certain degree of swelling, pain and bleeding. If you are concerned about your aftercare experience at all, please contact Dr. Paes immediately. We want to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Why People Love Town Center Dental of LaGrange
Sean H.
5-stars isn’t enough. It’s as if they practice professionalism. Well kept, clean facility. The front desk worker is as calm as a cucumber, and the Doctors are thorough and respectful. Will most certainly be happy to return, and can’t wait for the next appointment. Great Job guys and keep doing what your doing.
Mike D.
Fantastic experience. Very friendly and easy. No hassles. Dentists are professionals. Very friendly and accommodating to any requests. Very happy and so are my teeth!
Diana C.
This place is awesome! My son got this super nice hygienist named Mary Ellen and he said that he was going to give this place a good review too because of her! 5 stars, my son is no longer afraid of the dentists office after he switched dentists. I have always had dental anxiety but they're so nice & gentle that I will definitely come back again!
Carla G.
When I say I’m scared of the dentist I’m scared. I recently had my wisdom teeth removed with iv sedation 4 days ago. The surgeon and his assistant were amazing. They made me feel very comfortable. After the surgery of course I needed some down time that day and the next morning I was a little sore. With the medicine prescribed to me I only feel some soreness but I was able to take care of my 4 kids with no problem. I recommend Town Center Dental 100%.
Kay D.
Patient of Dr. Julie. She is an excellent dentist. The staff is professional. They kept checking on me during the procedure. They went over aftercare. Nice office. 5 stars!!
Carolyn R.
I saw Dr.Abrahamson. The facility is very nice, the staff is professional and very friendly. I am super happy with every aspect of my visit. I recommend Dr Abrahamson for all dental care.
Katie F.
The office runs on time, I was taken back not minutes after my arrival. My hygienist Jordan was excellent. She was thorough, meticulous and explained everything she was doing. Dr. Paes was great too, addressed my concerns and gave me reasonable plans going forward. I will definitely be staying as a permanent patient at Town Center Dental.
Kim C.
Town Central of Lagrange is a Wonderful facility. I just had my first painless root canal done. Everyone there is kind and the place is immaculate. Would definitely recommend anyone.
Lisa T.
I had been putting off a dental implant for over a year - finally decided to go have it done. Absolutely NO pain whatsoever! Not sure how it’s possible - but Dr. Pais has a kind demeanor and managed the whole process without pain, including the next day. I felt nothing! Don’t put it off - I’d highly recommend Dr. Pais for the procedure!
Irish C.
I was so scared to get a tooth extraction and implants but everyone was so calming and reassuring during the entire procedure. The doctor told me about each step as he went; the nurse was so kind and gentle. It barely hurt at all! They did a fantastic job.
Deb A.
Great staff and service … from Receptionists, to Hygienists, to Dental Assistants, to Dentists. By the way, the whole office is beautiful!!!
