For Sinus Lift Surgery

The following information will help you be prepared for your upcoming implant surgery.

Pre-surgical instructions

  • Eat before your surgery appointment; it helps the anesthetic to be more effective. Have a normal breakfast or normal lunch.
  • Taking sedative – Eating must be three hours prior to your appointment. Start taking Halcion (sedative), two hours prior to your appointment.
  • Please have the prescriptions that were given to you at the consultation filled prior to your surgery appointment.
  • Do not take any aspirin products for three days prior to your appointment. If needed, Tylenol or Advil (ibuprofen) may be taken.

Post-Surgical Instructions

Medications

You may have several prescriptions Have prescriptions filled prior to your appointment.

Please take your medications as directed.Pain medications should not be taken with any alcohol or when operating a vehicle. Do not take any pain medications on an empty stomach.

If you develop a rash, itching, or other unusual reactions, stop taking the medication and promptly call our office. If you are taking a sedative (Halcion) for the procedure, please have someone drive you to and from your appointment.

  • You may take up to 4 Advil (Ibuprofen) every 4 hours or 4 times a day, with or without your pain medication. It will act as an anti-inflammatory.
  • Please take all antibiotics until they are all gone unless you develop unusual reactions and Dr. Robinson has advised you to stop taking them.
  • For your sinus lift surgery, Dr. Robinson may prescribe a steroidal anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling.  Please take your medications as directed.

Swelling

Your sinus lift will swell and possibly bruise. Swelling should be expected. Immediately following surgery, an ice pack should be applied to the outside of your face of the surgical area.

Alternate 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off throughout the entire day of the surgery. You must use the ice faithfully the entire day following surgery.

Avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 days after surgery to reduce swelling and bleeding. You will have an increase in swelling, bleeding and pain if too much activity is done.

*Please do not smoke. Smoking will delay the healing process and should be avoided as long as possible.

Expect the 3rd or 4th day after the surgery to be the worst in swelling. Do not be alarmed if you have swelling at this time, it is normal.

By the 5th day the swelling should be down. If you are prone to bruising and welling you may go to Wild Oats and get Arnica Montana.  It will come in a pill or an ointment form, you may get either one.

For 3 to 4 days after the surgery, do not lie flat. You will need to elevate your head when sleeping by using at least 2 pillows.

Bleeding

Expect minimal bleeding from the surgery site. It will bleed. Small amounts of blood may color your saliva the first few hours after surgery.

To stop bleeding apply firm pressure to area for 20 minutes. You may also place ice-cold water in your mouth and gently swish around or hold it in for a few minutes.

If bleeding does not stop and it is bright red please contact our office immediately.

You must refrain from blowing your nose or heavy sniffing for at least 1 week after the surgery. We know this is difficult, however, it disturbs the sinus and it will not heal properly.

If your nose bleeds after treatment, do not blow vigorously, please wipe it lightly.

Do not rinse your mouth vigorously during the first 24 hours after the surgery. After 24 hours you should rinse out your mouth after intake of food.

Hygiene

Your normal hygiene routine will be interrupted for the week after your surgery.

You may not brush or floss the surgery site, leave it alone. You may brush and floss the teeth not involved in the surgery.

*We will have you come back 1 week after surgery for a post-op appointment. We will remove your sutures and check the progress of healing.

Flippers/Dentures

It is best not to wear your flipper or denture for the 1st week following surgery unless we have instructed you to do otherwise.
Do not try to wear it if it has not been adjusted or relined.

Diet

You will want to use care when eating. Softer foods are strongly recommended for the first 5-7 days after the surgery. Do not eat foods that require heavy pressure for chewing.

Please try to chew on the opposite side as much as possible. Please avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or spicy.

Colder and lukewarm foods are best 24 hours after the procedure; hot foods will make area bleed more. Do not drink through a straw for at least 2 days.

Acceptable foods are:

  • Yogurt
  • eggs
  • soups
  • smoothies
  • chicken
  • pasta
  • rice
  • oatmeal
  • mashed potatoes
  • cheese
  • ground beef
  • cottage cheese
  • ice cream
  • pudding
  • juices
  • and lots of fluids.

Foods to avoid:

  • Popcorn
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • hard candies
  • apples
  • crackers
  • chips
  • and hard breads.

If you have any questions of concerns, please call the office and ask to speak to an assistant. If we are not in the office you may call Dr. Robinson at home or on his cell phone.  Please do not hesitate to call with any questions.

Office: Steven D. Robinson, DDS Phone Number 775-827-3302,  Cell: (775) 232-6345