Sinus Precautions

How To Care For Your Sinus After Dental Extraction

Because of the close relationship between upper back teeth and the sinus, a communication between the sinus and mouth sometimes results from surgery. That complication has occurred in your case, which sometimes heals slowly and with difficulty. Certain precautions will assist healing and we ask that you faithfully follow these instructions:

1. Take prescriptions as directed.
2. Do not forcefully spit for several days.
3. Do not smoke for 10 to 14 days.
4. Do not use a straw for several days.
5. Do not forcefully blow your nose for at least two weeks, even though your sinus may feel “stuffy” or there may be some nasal drainage.
6. Try not to sneeze; it will cause undesired sinus pressure. If you must sneeze, keep your mouth open.
7. Eat only soft foods for several days, always trying to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
8. Do not rinse vigorously for several days. Gentle salt water swishes may be used.

Slight bleeding from the nose is not uncommon for several days after surgery.

Please keep our office advised of any changes in your condition, especially if drainage or pain increases. It is important that

ACTIVITY

• Rest, as much as possible for the next 24 hours. Avoid lying flat for the remainder of the day.
• Avoid strenuous activity for the next 4 days.

BLEEDING

• Gauze packs are in place over the extraction sites to help stop the bleeding.
• When you get home, replace the gauze and hold good tight pressure on the area for 1 hour. Remove the gauze, look at the extraction sites. If the sites are still bleeding use new gauze and continue holding pressure. Be sure to place the gauze over the extraction site. Check the bleeding every hour. Do not use the gauze to judge the bleeding. Actually look at the surgical site.
• Some oozing is normal for the first 24 hours. You should expect to see some bloody saliva over the next several days.

STITCHES

• Stitches are in place. They will eventually come out on their own within 7 to 10 days.

SWELLING

• You can expect swelling for the next 3 to 4 days. Typically, swelling will start on the second day. The swelling will be the worst on days 2 and 3 and should start to gradually get better.
• You should keep an ice pack on the side of the face as much as you can for the next 24 hours. Place it on one side for 30 minutes and then switch to the other side. Do not ice while sleeping.
• After 36 hours, switch to moist heat.

PAIN

• It is normal for pain to get worse over the next couple of days. Most discomfort is seen on day 2 and 3.
• Once you get home and the bleeding has stopped, you should eat (soft foods, pudding, etc.).
• After eating, start taking the Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen. Repeat the Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen every 6 hours for the next 3 to 4 days. This will help to decrease pain as well as swelling.
• For more severe pain, add the narcotic pain medicine in between doses of the Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen.
• Do not take the Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen and the narcotic pain medicine at the same time because this will likely make you sick. You should alternate the narcotic and Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen every 3 hours. Always take your medication with food; taking pain medication on an empty stomach can make you sick.
• Do not drive or operate machinery while taking narcotic pain medication.

DIET

• Drink as much clear fluids and water as possible.
• Maintain a soft diet for the next several days. Luke warm soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding, etc. to keep your calorie intake up to promote healing. Boost, Ensure, or Carnation Instant Breakfast are nutritious and will help keep your energy up.
• Avoid hot foods or liquids for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid foods like nuts, seeds, popcorn, and hard crunchy foods for the first week.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following surgery or while taking pain medication.

ORAL HYGIENE

• Try not to disturb the surgical area today. Do not rinse mouth today.
• Starting tomorrow, rinse with warm salt water 3 to 4 times a day. Rinse with the antibiotic mouth rinse 3 times a day for the next week.
• Starting tomorrow, gently brush teeth being careful in the surgical area, unless the Dr. has instructed otherwise.

IF YOU HAD IV SEDATION, DO NOT DRIVE FOR 24 HOURS, OPERATE HEAVY EQUIPMENT, USE POWER TOOLS, OR SIGN LEGAL DOCUMENTS.

Staff is available outside of office hours for postoperative concerns or information.