The following information applies when upper jaw bone height or width have been lost. The graft is placed to help restore your jawbone in preparation for possible implant replacement of the missing tooth or teeth.

You have had a Sinus Lift Augmentation procedure in your upper jaw. This procedure regains lost bone height in the area of your first and second molar and occasionally second premolar. It is an important procedure as it allows implant placement in an area that could not be implanted otherwise because of insufficient bone height due to an enlarged sinus.

The bone that has been grafted is most commonly a combination freeze-dried bone, artificial synthetic bone and your own bone. Because of this you may have two post-surgical wounds: the donor site and the recipient site.

Postoperative restrictions if you have been given intravenous sedation or general anesthesia

• The patient must be accompanied home and supervised by a responsible adult for at least four hours following surgery.
• No alcohol consumption or driving for 24
• No breast-feeding for 12 hours after sedation or if taking narcotic
• Normal activities may be resumed the following day as

Special Considerations

• If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid unnecessary pressure on the sinus .
• No nose blowing for one
• Do not smoke, use a straw, or spit for four days after
• Avoid playing wind instruments until cleared by the
• If you feel air flow at the surgical site, please contact our
• If you feel congested, you may need to use antihistamines or Over-thecounter products such as Tavist-D, Dimetapp, or Pseudofed work well.
• There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 If this temperature persists please contact our office.
• Sutures used during surgery usually dissolve in seven to ten The sutures may loosen with brushing and minimal bleeding may occur.

Do not under any circumstances. Blow your nose for the next 4 Weeks. This may be longer if indicated. You may sniff all you like but NO BLOWING.

Do not blow your nose or sneeze holding your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open. Do not drink with straws and do not spit. Scuba diving and flying in pressurized aircraft may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided.

Decongestants such as Drixoral, Dimetapp, or Sudafed will help reduce pressure in the sinuses. You may also be given a prescription for antibiotics. Please take these as directed. Anything that causes pressure in your nasal cavity must be avoided. Avoid “bearing down”—as when lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require a blowing action or any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure. Smoking must be stopped. If necessary Dr. Kankaria can prescribe Nicoderm patches.

Antibiotics:Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection

Oral Hygiene:Do not rinse or spit on the day of your surgery. This tends to disturb the blood clot, open the wound and can prolong bleeding and slow healing. You should not have a significant amount of blood in your mouth. Saliva can be swallowed, even if slightly blood tinged.

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Start salt water rinses the day following your procedure. Use one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you like, but at least four to five times daily and always after eating for the next five days.

Do not brush the teeth in the area of surgery for 48 hours. When brushing, be very gentle. When expectorating, also be gentle.

We may prescribe an antibiotic rinse (Chlorhexadine, Periogard, Peridex) for certain procedures. This rinse should be used in the morning and at bedtime after routine mouth care. Do not eat or drink or rinse your mouth after using the medicated rinse. Using this rinse more than two times a day will cause staining of your teeth.

Smoking:Do not smoke for at least two weeks after surgery, if at all. As discussed at your consultation, smoking dramatically increases the risk of bone graft and sinus augmentation failure. Dr. Thomas Hohl or Dr. Patricia Kelly can prescribe a Nicoderm patch if you feel you need it.

Wearing your Prosthesis or Nightguards:Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery until your post-operative appointment unless specifically instructed otherwise. Please contact the office if there is any question. If you have a temporary “flipper” to wear do not place it until the numbness in the area is gone. When it is placed it should not touch the gums in the area of the surgery. If it does, this can cause ulceration of the wound edges and breakdown of the suture margins. This can lead to loss of the graft. If you have questions about the fit of your flipper, partial or complete denture, do not wear it until your general dentist or our office can see you.

Post-Operative Problems or Complications:As with any procedure, unexpected post-operative healing can occur. If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose, please let us know immediately.If you are aware of several small particles of graft material being discharged from your nose, let us know as well.If you experience sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed, let us know.If there is an increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after 3 days, let us know.It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office.

There is much variation in peoples’ reaction to this type of surgery and to the medication which you have taken. It is important for you to realize that the symptoms described and discomfort you might be experiencing right now, are all part of a positive experience: HEALING!! With your proper care at this time, it will only be a short time before your mouth returns to normal.

It is also important that at this time you realize you are not alone. Should you need us, CALL US!! We are committed to giving you the best of care and keeping you as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions that are not covered in the above information, please feel free to phone us at any time.