How Long Does a Sinus Lift Take to Heal?

Once the sinus lift procedure is complete, your periodontist will discuss aftercare instructions with you, which should be closely followed. It is especially important that you do not blow your nose and avoid sneezing for at least two weeks. If you cannot help sneezing, open your mouth while doing so.

The healing process is different for everyone, but on average it will take 6 months for the bone graft to generate enough bone to support a dental implant. It will be necessary to schedule follow up appointments until your periodontist is confident in the amount of bone available to place the implant. Once the titanium post that will act as the root for your new crown is placed, it will take an additional four months for this post to complete the osseointegration process of fusing with your bone. Once this is complete, the crown can be placed.

Unfortunately, there is no way speed up the process of bone regeneration or osseointegration, but it is important that you take good care of your teeth during this time to avoid developing any complications and ensure that your implant procedure is a success.

Common Post-Procedural Side Effects and How to Treat Them

Immediately following the sinus lift procedure, you may begin to experience discomfort and swelling once the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Here are some of the most common side effects following a sinus lift procedure and how to manage them.

  • Pain/Discomfort: If prescribed pain medication, take as directed and do not consume alcohol or drive a vehicle. Common side effects of narcotics include nausea, lightheadedness, and dizziness. If pain medication is not prescribed and you are experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol can be taken.
  • Infection: If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take as prescribed until the prescription runs out in order to avoid infection.
  • Bleeding: Mild bleeding can be managed using gauze pads, which should be replaced every thirty minutes until the bleeding stops. Wet and wring out the gauze so it is damp before placing over the area that is bleeding. Contact your periodontist if bleeding does not stop.
  • Swelling: Place an ice pack over the swollen area for fifteen-minute intervals, fifteen minutes on and fifteen minutes off. Continue as often as necessary until the swelling subsides.

Additional steps you can take to avoid making any of these issues worse or creating complications following your sinus lift procedure include:

  • Set aside time to rest.
  • Do not rinse your mouth vigorously. Instead, let the water gently swirl around then fall out of your mouth.
  • Avoid touching the wound.
  • Stick to softer foods for the first few days and avoid hard, hot, or crunchy foods and any food that has the potential of getting stuck in the surgical site, such as popcorn
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Do not smoke or use a straw for 5 days
  • Use a soft bristle toothbrush while brushing and be especially careful when brushing over the surgical area. Avoid using a Waterpik or electric toothbrush until two weeks after the procedure.

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