What to expect after a sinus floor elevation

Immediately after undergoing a sinus floor elevation, you will still experience the effects of aesthesia. It is, therefore, advisable to take some time off and rest. To stop you from feeling drowsy, you should lie down comfortably with your head raised until the effects of aesthesia fade off. To reduce the chances of experiencing pain and discomfort, take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist when you get home.

It is common for blood to ooze from the surgical site. Your dentist may give you a gauze pad to help absorb blood from the surgical site. Ensure that you hold the gauze pad in place with gentle biting pressure and replace the pad after every thirty minutes. While you still have the gauze on, you should avoid moving your jaws or talking to help keep the gauze in place. You are free to keep replacing the wet gauzes until the bleeding stops.

You should not be alarmed if you experience swelling, bleeding, or discomfort. It is normal to have these symptoms after undergoing a sinus floor elevation. To help ease the discomfort, you may place ice packs on the side of your face right above the surgical site.

A blood clot forms at the surgical site, and the bleeding stops. It is advisable to avoid swishing fluids or to drink through a straw because this may remove the blood clot at the surgical site and induce flesh bleeding.

Dealing with pain after sinus floor elevation

After a sinus floor elevation, you should not wait until the pain kicks in. Instead, you should be proactive and take the prescribed pain medication within two hours after surgery. Within two hours after surgery, you will still be under the influence of aesthesia. Taking painkillers ensures that by the time the aesthesia fades, you will not experience discomfort.

We will provide you with anti-inflammatory medication before you leave our office after the surgery. Typically, for the first two to three days, you should take the anti-inflammatory medication every six hours. You should take the medication even if you are not experiencing soreness and discomfort. If you take the painkillers prescribed to you but the pain persists, you may take narcotics because they are more effective in easing discomfort. You may take the narcotics alongside anti-inflammatory medication.

Ensure that you do not take medication on an empty stomach because this may have other negative effects like nausea. Instead, ensure that you take in some soft foods and fluids. You should never take alcohol while you are on narcotics medication.

What to avoid

It is advisable to avoid all activities that are likely to create pressure within your sinuses for the first ten days after your surgery. You should avoid activities like drinking through a straw, blowing your nose, and smoking.

Avoid aggressive activities like scuba diving or flying an aircraft. While you are sneezing, you should sneeze with your mouth open. This ensures that you do not trap pressure within your mouth while sneezing but you expel the pressure.

What should you do if you have a stuffy nose? You should gently wipe your nose to clean it but avoid blowing your nose because this may lead to sinus pressure. To help alleviate sinus pressure and discomfort, you may consider using nasal decongestants. However, ensure that you follow the given instructions while using decongestants. If you have any questions on sinus floor elevation, contact us.