Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions after sinus lift or oro-antral communication
Surgical procedures in the oral cavity are similar to surgical procedures in other parts of
the body and require patient attention to postoperative instructions. For any question or
clarification contact your doctor.
Do not disturb the wound with the tongue. Do not rinse on the day of
surgery. Do not smoke for at least 14 days after the operation, it slows down the healing
process and irritates the operated areas.
Do not blow your nose or sneeze with your mouth closed.
Do not inhale – exhale deeply through the nose. Do not use a straw for 14 days. If you
notice fluid passing from the mouth to the nose, runny nose, nosebleeds, or nasal
congestion, notify your doctor.
Postoperative swelling occurs after most oral surgical procedures. Apply ice to
the operated area to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, remove it for 20
minutes, and continue at this rate for the first 24 hours after surgery.
If pyorrhea occurs in the wound area, notify your doctor.
Diet Follow a soft diet until the day the stitches are removed. You can eat anything
except small hard pieces such as rusks, nuts, and try to chew on the opposite side of
the operation. Drink plenty of fluids and limit alcohol use.
Follow a soft diet until the day of suture removal. You can eat anything except small hard pieces such as toast, nuts, as long as you chew on the opposite side of the operation. Drink plenty of fluids and limit alcohol use.
The day after the operation, start rinsing with chlorhexidine 0.12% 2 times
a day (Plak-out, chlorexil, Plac control, Eludril) until the sutures are removed. If you are
not given chlorhexidine for mouthwash, you can use warm salt water for washing 2-3
times a day. Do not brush your teeth on the day of surgery and do not brush the surgery
area until the stitches are removed.
You will feel pain for the first few days after surgery. Use the pain
relievers recommended by your dentist. Usually, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
(NSAIDs) are sufficient to treat the pain. Avoid aspirin as it can interfere with the clotting
process and cause bleeding. If you are given narcotic pain relievers (eg Lonarid), do not
drive or operate machinery while under the influence. An increase in pain after the 3rd
day is not expected. If pain persists despite medication, contact your doctor.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as
directed and for the length of time recommended by your dentist. CAUTION is needed if
you are taking contraceptive pills, as their effectiveness may be reduced and you may
need an additional contraceptive method.
If you bleed in the first few days, don't worry. Avoid alcohol and hot drinks and
foods. When you are bleeding, do not rinse your mouth. Moisten a gauze pad or tea bag
with some warm water, place it on the area and hold it firmly for 30 minutes. Try not to
lie down for a while, don't spit and put ice on the outside. Contact your dentist if you are
still bleeding 2 days after surgery.
Nausea can be caused by analgesic-anti-inflammatory drugs. Try to drink
plenty of fluids. Also non-carbonated soft drinks help to deal with nausea.
Bruising of the skin is to be expected and may last for weeks.
Local anesthetics are active for 24-28 hours. If you experience numbness beyond this
period, notify your doctor.
Limit your physical activity and heavy exercise for 7 days.
Your doctor has placed stitches that will either be absorbed in 2-3 weeks
or you will be asked to return to the office to have them removed.