Sometimes, getting dental implants requires a sinus lift. Your dentist may recommend this procedure if you don’t have adequate bone in your upper palate or your sinuses are too close to your jaw.
At Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith specialize in sinus lift procedures. Although a relatively quick procedure, recovery after a sinus lift takes time and may present certain risks. Here, we explain what to expect and provide tips for speeding up the healing process.
A sinus lift is a type of oral procedure that increases the amount of bone in your upper palate (jaw). During the procedure, we place a bone graft (a small piece of bone tissue) into the area that will eventually support your dental implants.
Once placed, the graft encourages the production of new, healthy bone tissue. This increases the amount of bone in your upper jaw, providing a sturdy foundation for your dental implants.
Sinus lifts are safe and typically well-tolerated. However, some side effects may be a part of recovery. These include:
The tissues in your upper jaw are sensitive, so don’t be surprised if you experience some uncomfortableness and swelling. Applying an ice pack to your cheek and taking over-the-counter medication can ease discomfort and reduce inflammation.
Sinus lifts often cause mild bleeding from the nose and mouth for at least 48 hours. This can be worrisome, but it’s part of the recovery process. As your upper jaw begins healing, bleeding will slow until it stops altogether.
We prescribe medications to ensure your comfort, including antibiotics to prevent infection and a saline spray to keep your nose moist.
During recovery, you’ll also need to avoid certain foods, like nuts, pretzels, and potato chips. These snacks are crunchy, which can irritate the procedure site. They also may break into small pieces that can become lodged in your upper palate.
We will prescribe a soft diet that features foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, chicken/fish and milkshakes. These foods require minimal chewing and are less likely to irritate your upper palate while it heals.
You must avoid strenuous activity like exercise for at least a week after your procedure. Taking it easy for a few days reduces your risk of blood clots and other complications.
It’s also important to avoid blowing your nose. This can be challenging but is necessary as it can loosen your stitches or change the position of your bone graft. Likewise, avoid sneezing if at all possible. If you have the urge to sneeze, do so with your mouth open. This eases pressure in your upper palate and prevents irritating the procedure site.
Our team schedules several follow-up appointments after your sinus lift to monitor your recovery. This lets us assess the new bone growth and reduces the risk of issues like infection.
A sinus lift can equip you to receive dental implants if you have bone loss in your upper jaw due to gum disease, aging, or tooth loss.
If you’re interested in learning more, Contact Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, to schedule a sinus lift consultation today!
