After a sinus lift or bone graft

Why the precautions differ

A sinus lift raises the membrane at the floor of the sinus and places graft material beneath it, creating the bone height an upper implant needs. Until that graft consolidates, any change in pressure between the mouth and the sinus can move it. The precautions below exist for that reason alone.

Sinus precautions, for ten days

• Do not blow your nose. Wipe it gently instead.
• Sneeze with your mouth open so pressure escapes forwards.
• Do not use straws, and do not smoke or vape. Both create suction.
• Do not fly, dive, or play wind instruments.
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining and strenuous exercise.
• Sleep with your head raised on two pillows.

First 24 hours

• Do not rinse or spit forcefully. Let any excess saliva fall away rather than spitting.
• Bite gently on the gauze provided if the site oozes. A trace of blood from the nostril on the treated side can occur and is not a cause for alarm.
• Take pain relief before the anaesthetic wears off.
• Use cold packs on the cheek in twenty-minute cycles for the first day.

Days two to fourteen

• Swelling and bruising peak at around 48 to 72 hours. Bruising can track down the cheek and settles over one to two weeks.
• Begin gentle warm salt-water rinses from the day after surgery. Let the water fall from your mouth rather than spitting.
• Complete all prescribed medication, which after a sinus lift often includes antibiotics and a decongestant or nasal spray.
• Eat soft, lukewarm food and chew on the other side.
• You may notice small granules of graft material in the mouth in the first days. A few are expected; a steady loss is not.

Healing timeline

Grafted bone consolidates over several months before implants can be placed or loaded. Reviews are scheduled to confirm progress with radiographs, and the restorative stage begins only once the graft and any implant have integrated.