Sinus Surgery Post-Operative Instructions

After Surgery

Due to the close relationship between upper back teeth and the sinus, a communication between the sinus and mouth sometimes results from surgery either intentionally or unintentionally.

Certain precautions will assist healing and we ask that you faithfully follow the instructions listed on this post-operative sheet.

  • Some bleeding is normal and to be expected. Slight bleeding from the nose is not uncommon for several days after surgery. It is not uncommon for some areas to ooze for 48 hours or longer after surgery.
  • Swallowing blood or taking your pain medication on an empty stomach may cause nausea. If nausea or vomiting persists, please call your surgeon immediately.
  • Try not to sneeze; it will cause undesired sinus pressure. If you must sneeze, keep your mouth open.
  • Try not to sniffle; similar to when you have a cold, this activity should be avoided as it will interfere with healing.
  • Eat soft bland foods such as pasta, soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc. for a few days following surgery. Avoid nuts, rice, seeds, etc. Refrain from acidic foods, for example, orange juice, tomato sauce, etc. Avoid chewing over surgical areas and chew cautiously over surgical areas for 7-14 days until after you have been ok’d by the surgeon at your scheduled follow-up appointment.
  • DO NOT RINSE WITH PEROXIDE until ok’d by the doctor. RISK of rinsing with Peroxide MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF ANY BONE GRAFTING PROCEDURE.

For 7-14 Days

  • DO NOT exercise or participate in any strenuous activity for at least 7 days (1 week) after your surgical procedure. DO NOT scuba dive or fly during this period as well.
  • DO NOT smoke or drink alcohol for 1 week. Smoking and drinking alcohol may significantly compromise healing.
  • DO NOT SPIT OR USE STRAWS for 1 week to prevent air from communicating between the sinus and the mouth.
  • The site where the IV was placed may become tender, bruised, or uncomfortable. If this occurs apply moist heat over the area. Notify the office if it persists longer than 3 days.
  • If permanent sutures are used they will be removed painlessly 7-14 days after surgery. If resorbable sutures are used they will dissolve between 7-14 days.
  • Bruising and jaw stiffness are common and may last up to 10 days with gradual improvement. After 48 hours, moist heat or heating pad will aid your recovery.
  • Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery and for at least 10 days, unless instructed by your surgeon. This was discussed in the pre-operative consultation.

Have Further Questions?

Call us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Call us: (954) 772-2000

Medication

  • DO NOT TAKE ANY MEDICATION ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
  • You should begin taking pain medication as directed after arriving home and eating. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or 1 Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 6 hours.
  • Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2 to 3 tablets may be taken every 6 hours as needed for pain.
  • If you have been prescribed Ketorolac (Toradol), DO NOT take Tylenol, Advil or Aspirin.
  • For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. If prescription pain medication is needed, these can ONLY be prescribed during normal office hours, NOT after hours or on the weekend.
  • If antibiotics were prescribed, be sure to take them as directed to help prevent infection. The entire course of antibiotics should be completed unless instructed otherwise by the surgeon.
  • If Peridex was prescribed, start this oral rinse before going to bed the night of surgery. The Peridex should then be used twice daily (beginning the day after surgery for 1 week) as follows: after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 2 minutes.
  • Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Emergencies

  • When the office is closed, the answering service will prompt you on how to get a hold of the surgeon on call. This should be used on an emergency basis ONLY. Leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.