The sinus lift is performed to increase the height of bone available for your implant(s). It is imperative that you follow the instructions listed below carefully to maximize your healing and improve the long-term outcome of your sinus lift and dental implant(s).

MEDICATION – You may have been prescribed all or some of the following medications based on individual needs.

Ibuprofen 800mg - You have been given a prescription for 800 Mg Ibuprofen, which is an anti-inflammatory analgesic. Please take one tab every 8 hours for the first 3 days. This drug will greatly decrease the possibility of post-surgical swelling and pain and has been shown to accelerate healing. 

For discomfort, the combination of (1) Extra Strength Tylenol and (1) 800 mg Ibuprofen taken every 6-8 hours as needed, should keep you comfortable. This combination should be taken in place of Norco, if desired.

Norco 5/325mg - Should intense discomfort occur at any time after the surgery, please take the Hydrocodone (Norco) that has been prescribed to you.  Follow the instructions on your medication bottle.  You may take both Norco and the Ibuprofen together. Their analgesic effect will be synergistic.

Medrol Dose Pack 4mg - *Instructions for Medrol Dose Pack*  

Day One:       Take 6 pills immediately at the same time

Day Two:       Take 5 pills at the same time

Day Three:    Take 4 pills at the same time

Day Four:      Take 3 pills at same time

Day Five:       Take 2 pills at same time

Day Six:         Take 1 pill 

ANTIBIOTICS -  It is VERY important for your healing that you take your antibiotics as directed and take all of the medication prescribed. You will be given Amoxicillin Oral Tablet 500 MG #21.  Take one tablet by mouth three times a day until gone.  If you are allergic to Amoxicillin you will be given Zithromax Z-Pak Oral Tablet 250mg #1Take 2 tabs by mouth the first day, on days 2-5 take one tab per day.

 

WOMEN -  Antibiotics can render birth control ineffective. They can also put you at risk of yeast infection or upset stomach. You could take probiotics with your antibiotics to minimize this. If you get diarrhea from your antibiotics, discontinue and call us right away. It is important to take all the entire prescription of antibiotics.

Do NOT blow your nose for at least 14 days, as the pressure will delay or damage your sinus healing. If you have to sneeze, do NOT hold it back — sneeze out. Open your mouth and try to minimize the pressure in your nasal/sinus passages.

You may use nasal decongestants, such as over-the-counter Sudafed® tablets or Afrin® nasal spray, to keep your passages dry, especially if you have noticed continued drainage or feel the need to blow your nose.

Do not drink through a straw. This creates suction, which may damage a healing clot. You may drink out of a cup or bowl, or use a spoon.

 

SMOKING -  including vaping is not advised during the 7-14 days following surgery. Do not smoke or vape because smoking reduces the blood flow, contaminates the healing wound, and frequently leads to infections. 

BRUSHING -  Do not brush the surgical sites or rinse, spit, swish, smoke, drink through a straw, or suck on anything for the first 24 hours after surgery. After 24 hours, begin rinsing twice daily with mouthwash, but continue avoiding brushing the surgical areas for the first 7 days. You may gently soak the area with warm salt water (¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water). The exposed areas can be gently swabbed with a Q-tip dipped in water or mouthwash at bedtime, in the morning, and after meals. After one week, start gentle soft brushing of the surgical sites for 3 days, then gradually resume normal brushing, being careful not to brush the surgical areas too hard. Continue regular brushing and hygiene in all untreated areas.  DO NOT use an electric tooth brush in the surgical area until after your post op appointment!
  
ARNICA GEL / CREAM - Apply gel to the outside of the face 3 times a day over the area that was treated.  Continue for several days after surgery. to help reduce bruising and swelling.  Arnica gel can be purchased at CVS and like stores.

EATING / DIET - Please follow a soft food diet, taking care to avoid the surgical area(s) when chewing for 4-7 days after surgery.  Chew on the opposite side (if possible) and do NOT bite into food if the procedure was done in the front of the mouth.  Avoid sticky, hard (such as ice cubes, nuts, popcorn, chips), brittle, spicy, highly seasoned, or acidic foods in your diet. 

You will be more comfortable eating soft foods for several days following your surgery. Soft foods including applesauce, yogurt, pudding, jello, ice cream, scrambled eggs, pasta, mashed or baked potatoes, fish, soup, cottage cheese, soft cooked vegetables, soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese and fruit smoothies (without seeds) are some suggestions.  Be sure to maintain adequate nutrition and drink plenty of fluids. 

Avoid alcohol as it is a blood thinner and can cause bleeding.

 

Foods To Avoid Following Dental Surgery, Implants or Wisdom Teeth Extractions:

Tomatoes or tomato sauce – acidic and may burn or cause pain immediately after dental surgery
Orange Juice – be cautious with OJ or any other acidic juices. They may cause burning or pain if ingested too soon after dental surgery.
Seeds – anything seedy may get stuck in a surgery site and cause discomfort or get infected.
Cracked Pepper – much like a seed this can get lodged and cause pain.
Popcorn – the corn hulls can become lodged
Spicy Foods – may lead to pain and discomfort
Crunchy or Difficult to Chew Foods – these foods may interfere with the blood clotting following dental surgery.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS REGARDING

 YOUR AFTER CARE:

Please do not reach out to the dental office as we are a traveling surgical team, and we are trained to answer your questions, give advice and are educated on what is normal and what is not. Text or call Dorien, our surgical post operative assistant at (530) 410-3356. Please be patient when waiting for a reply, especially on the weekends.  We will get back to you!