Postoperative Instructions After Sinus Grafting

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) WEEKS

Do not attempt to avoid a sneeze holding your nose. By doing so this creates a "stopper", which will create tremendous pressure within the sinus, and may damage the graft site.  If you feel a sneeze coming on, allow the air to be expelled through your open mouth.  Do not pinch your nostrils together while doing this. This will prevent the buildup of air pressure in the sinus.  Scuba diving or the playing of any woodwind instruments may also increase sinus pressure and should be avoided for at least two months.  Flying in an airplane is acceptable during this time, but it is important that you do not attempt to equalize the pressure in your ears by blowing against a pinched nose.  Over the counter sinus decongestants and/or nasal sprays can also help reduce pressure in the sinuses.  It would be best to also avoid other activities that cause positive or negative pressure in your nasal cavity or sinuses, such as lifting very heavy objects, blowing up balloons, forceful sniffing, or anything else that require a blowing or sniffing action and may affect nasal or sinus pressure. 

Smoking

Smoking is the single worst thing that can be done after a sinus graft procedure.  The contaminants in the smoke, the tars and nicotine in the bloodstream, and the changes in the blood flow in smokers, can all contribute to poor healing or infection in the graft site. If a sinus graft is to be considered in a patient who smokes, they must be willing to discontinue smoking for at least 3 months prior to the procedure, and then throughout the entire healing period. 

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse forcefully or spit on the day of your surgery. This can disturb the wound, and promote bleeding.   tends to disturb the blood clot, open the wound and can prolong bleeding and slow healing.

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential to reduce the risk of infection. The teeth should be brushed with a very soft bristle brush. Do not brush the incision line where the stitches are located.  It would be best to avoid any toothpastes or mouthwashes with Hydrogen Peroxide, as this will dissolve blood clots, and may contributing to opening of the wound. 

We may prescribe a Chlorhexadine antibiotic rinse (Periogard, Peridex) for a period of time after the surgery.  This rinse should be used after brushing the teeth, at least 2 - 3 times per day. Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth after using the medicated rinse. 

Wearing your Prosthesis or Nightguard

Partial dentures, "flippers", or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery until your post-operative appointment unless Dr. Digney has specifically instructed otherwise. Please contact the office if there is any question.  When the denture is placed, it should not touch the incision line, or the gums in the area of the surgery. If it does, this can cause a breakdown of the incision line and opening of the wound. This can lead to loss of the graft.  If you have questions about the fit of your flipper, partial or complete denture, do not wear it until Dr. Digney can examine you. It may be necessary for Dr. Digney to have you seen by your general dentist for further adjustment of the denture.

Post-Operative Problems or Complications

As with any procedure, unexpected post-operative complications can occur. Please contact us if any of the following occur:

• If you notice the unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose or sinus.
• If you are aware of several small particles of graft material being from your nose or in the mouth.
• If you experience unusual sinus or nasal congestion on the side your surgery was performed.
• If there is an increase in swelling in your mouth, cheek or under your eye after 3 days. 

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible.  Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office.  Please try to call during office hours; however if there is a true emergency, a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with Dr. Digney.  The after hours telephone number is (561) 369-7718.