Post-Operative Instructions

Before Surgery

Make sure you have read over our Patient Instructions for Surgery. This information will provide specific instructions for patients having a sinus graft prior to implant placement.

We normally prescribe these medications to keep our sinus graft patients comfortable.

1. Antibiotic: usually amoxicillin or cleocin. You will start taking it 3 days before your procedure and continue after surgery until it is gone.
2. Decongestant: You can take Sudafed, Claritin or something comparable for the first week.  Please do not blow your nose, "hold in" your sneezes, etc. 
3. Non-narcotic, anti-inflammatory pain reliever: “Motrin” or ibuprofen, which will also help reduce swelling and reduce pain. You will take 1 pill 4 hours after surgery and then 3-4 times daily as needed. This medication is non-drowsy and can be taken if you need to go to work or school, drive, etc.
4. Narcotic pain reliever: “Acetaminophen with hydrocodone.” Although severe pain is unusual, you can take this, every 4 hours as needed after surgery, in addition to the Motrin. It can cause drowsiness, and is best taken before bedtime,
5. Antiseptic rinse: Peridex “Chlorhexidine" which you can start using the day after surgery to keep the area clean during healing. Rinse morning and night avoiding food or drink for 1-hour. Do not rinse vigorously

After Surgery

For 3 days after your surgery, do NOT spit, smoke, rinse hard, drink through a straw, create a “sucking” action in your mouth, use a commercial mouthwash, drink carbonated soda, or use an oral irrigating device. Doing any of these can disrupt clotting, the healing process and open the incision.

For the next 14 days or until your sutures are removed:

• Bleeding may occur from the nose after your procedure. If this occurs, breathe through your mouth, and place pressure on both sides of the nose; remain in a quiet sitting position until the bleeding stops.
• Do not blow your nose.
• If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the sinus area
• Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
• Do not take in liquids through a straw.
• Do not lift or pull on lip to look at sutures “stitches”.
• Do not lay on side of face over area of surgery.
• Do not press on cheek over area of surgery for 1 month.

Notify the office if:

• You feel granules in your nose
• Your medications do not relieve your discomfort
• If you develop a fever above 99.5F
• If you have any unusual swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or discharge
• If you develop any changes in vision or balance