! Rules to follow after sinus lift surgery !
The recovery process depends greatly on following the instructions received from the dentist-surgeon.
What not to do after sinus lift surgery?
! Do not blow your nose
Blowing your nose for at least one month after surgery is contraindicated.
This habit can lead to rupture of the sutures and bleeding. If you have nasal secretions, use an instrument to aspirate them.
! Do not sneeze
Sneezing with your mouth open or while holding your nose can affect the healing process. During sneezing, the pressure increases and may raise the risk of bleeding.
! Avoid flying or diving
Airplane flying or diving should be avoided, due to the variation in pressure in the nasal cavity. If you cannot postpone the flight, perform pressure rebalancing maneuvers frequently, such as yawning or swallowing.
! Avoid bending
Bending and lifting heavy objects increase pressure in the oral or nasal cavity.
Ask a family member or friend to help you, to avoid complications.
! Do not blow
The effort of blowing can increase nasal pressure and lead to complications. Such actions include inflating balloons or playing wind musical instruments.
! Do not rinse your mouth on the first day
Rinsing the oral cavity vigorously can promote the loosening of the sutures and bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended not to rinse the oral cavity in the first 24 hours. Afterwards, gently rinse the oral cavity using the recommended solutions. Rinsing the oral cavity is indicated after meals, continue this habit for at least one week.
! Do not lift your lip or pull your cheek
Even if you are curious and want to see what the suture looks like, do not try this. Lifting your upper lip or pulling your cheek can lead to suture breakage, bleeding, and other complications.
! Do not exert yourself
Rest is the key to a quick and complete recovery. Avoid strenuous exercise during the first week. You are also encouraged to rest with your head elevated until going to sleep. At night, use a soft pillow to keep your head slightly elevated. To prevent dizziness, get out of bed slowly.
! Avoid alcohol
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol delays the healing of the incision and affects the recovery process.
! Avoid smoking
Smoking is contraindicated after sinus lift surgery. Nicotine and related chemicals reduce blood flow and delay the healing process. In addition, smoking increases inflammation, postoperative discomfort, and can lead to sinus lift failure. It is also important to mention that smoke inhalation increases pressure of the oral cavity, which may cause bleeding and other serious complications may occur.
What should you do after sinus lift surgery?
! Apply cold compresses
! After such an intervention, the inflammatory reaction is normal. Thus, postoperative edema (cheek swelling) may occure. To reduce edema, apply cold or ice compresses. Keep the compresses for about 15 minutes, with 15-minute breaks between application. Do not exceed a total time application time of 4-6 hours. The peak of edema is reached after 2-3 days, after which it begins to subside.
! Drink plenty of fluids
After surgery, it is recommended to consume liquids at room temperature that day. Drink in small sips. Avoid using a straw, as suction, may dislodge the blood clot and lead to bleeding.
! Eat soft foods in the first few days
Recovery is also influenced by diet. Soft foods are recomended, such as purees, soups, cooked vegetables or soft fruits.
! Take the prescribed medications
The doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to relieve the postoperative discomfort. It is advisable to take them shortly after the intervention, before the effect of the anesthesia wears off.
! Mantain rigorous dental hygiene
Brushing your teeth can begin on the second day after the intervention. To avoid dislodging the sutures, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and use gentle movements. Proper hygiene contributes to a fast and complication-free healing.
