The upper back teeth and the maxillary sinus are closely related.  Sometimes when an upper tooth is extracted, or after sinus lift surgery or dental implant placement, a small communication between the mouth and the sinus will remain after surgery. If this happens, it is important to allow the area to heal without being disturbed for the first weeks after surgery.  These instructions will allow healing to occur undisturbed:

 

• Take your medications as prescribed.  Finish the antibiotics even if you feel fine, they will prevent infection of the surgical site.

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• Do not blow your nose for at least 7 days.  The positive pressure from blowing your nose will put undue pressure on the healing sinus and may disturb the stitches or barrier membrane.

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• If your nose is running use Afrin Nasal Spray or Sudafed tablets to help dry the mucus membranes in the nose. You may wipe the nose.

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• If you have to sneeze, let it out. Sneeze through your mouth as much as possible and don’t hold it back. Try to keep the sneeze out of your nose.

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• Do not drink through a straw for 7 days. The suction from a straw may damage the surgical site.

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• Do not play a musical instrument that requires blowing.

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• Do not smoke.  Smoking will delay healing and increases the risk of infection.  Patients who smoke are typically the ones who have prolonged issues with sinus healing.

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PLEASE NOTE: After surgery in or near the sinus, it is not uncommon to have a mild bleeding from the nose for several days. This occurs from small amounts of blood in the sinus mixing with mucus. If this persists beyond a few days contact the office.