Sinus Lift Side Effects

A dc sinus lift is a safe and effective procedure, though there are some risks involved and there will be a healing period following your procedure. Additionally, a local anesthetic and/or dental sedation will be part of the procedure, which may cause certain side effects, such as fogginess, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, and dry mouth. One positive side effects to heavier types of sedation is that you may have no memory of the procedure even being performed. Any side effect you experience will usually wear off within a few hours of the procedure, but it is important to arrange for a ride home if heavier sedation is used as part of your sinus lift procedure.

Aftercare Instructions

To ensure a fast recovery and avoid complications, it is essential that you follow the aftercare instructions provided to you following your procedure. While every patient may have different aftercare instructions, one of the most important things following a sinus lift is to not blow your nose and avoid sneezing as much as possible for the first month. If you find yourself about to sneeze, keep your mouth open while doing so.

Swelling is a very common side effect following the sinus lift procedure. Use ice packs to reduce swelling, which may occur on your mouth, cheeks, eyes, and the sides of your face. Swelling usually begins to subside after two or three days or faster if ice pack therapy is performed regularly. When placing an ice pack over the swollen area, do not leave it on for longer than twenty minutes and wait at least twenty minutes between each application. You can also expect to have some bleeding following the procedure which can be managed using gauze pads, which should be replaced every 30 minutes. Typically, the bleeding will stop within one hour, but if it continues, contact your periodontist to see if a follow-up or emergency care is necessary.

Stick to softer food for the first few days following the procedure and avoid chewing over the surgical site. It is also recommended that you avoid foods that could get stuck in the surgical site, like popcorn, sunflower seeds, or potato chips as well as harder foods or hot foods. It is also important to stay hydrated.

When brushing your teeth, be very gentle around the surgical areas and use a soft bristle toothbrush. If you frequently use a Waterpik, it is recommended that you avoid use of this until you have completed the healing process. While rinsing, be very gentle, and instead of the standard vigorous swishing of water, let the water swirl back and forth gently after which you can let it drip out of your mouth. A warm water rinse following a meal or snack is recommended.

By following these aftercare instructions, you will significantly reduce your risk of experiencing side effects or complications, however you will not eliminate this possibility. If you are experiencing pain that seems excessive or something seems wrong about your healing process, contact your periodontist to share your concerns and see if a follow up appointment is necessary.

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