Post Operative Instructions Following A Sinus Elevation

Rest:

Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day following surgery.
Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
Limit physical activity as if you have a cold or the flu.
To encourage rapid healing please REST!
Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing for 10 days.

As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. (Alternate sides if two areas were done)
Use the ice pack for the first 6-8 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.

Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off. You may wish to take your pain medication at our office immediately following surgery, but you MUST HAVE A DRIVER. If you do not have a driver you may take the medication as prescribed as soon as you arrive at home.
If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this effect.

Some seepage of blood is expected, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call.
Occasionally, bleeding from the nose may occur. Do not be alarmed, this is normal.

Do not brush, floss, rinse or spit the day of the surgery.
Do not rinse with salt-water or mouthwash.
Begin rinsing with the prescription peridex mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery.
Begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL area the day following surgery. Do not rinse vigorously for 2 days! Weak salt-water rinses may be used, GENTLY, to loosen food debris. You may begin to brush the surgical area 2 days after surgery.
When brushing the surgical area, run your toothbrush under hot water to soften the bristles.
Be prepared to leave your denture or partial out for approximately one week.

Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
Avoid using a straw as it may cause suction, which may loosen clotting, causing bleeding.

Expect swelling that may involve the area of the surgery as well as your eye, ear, and neck on the surgical side. It is possible that your eye may even swell closed. This is normal so do not be alarmed.
Bruising may occur in the surgical area as well as into your eye area.
If fever accompanies swelling, contact us immediately!

DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE ON PAIN MEDICATION.
Avoid the use of alcohol and aspirin products for 2 days after surgery or until you are no longer taking any medications. These are both blood thinners and may cause bleeding and delay the healing process.

We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.

If you have any questions or concerns please call us

Kenmore Office (425) 486-9111; Tri-Cities Office - refer to Kenmore (425) 486-9111; Emergency (425) 381-0227