Sinus-lifting and bone remodeling

Your treating periodontist has determined that you need an enlargement of the upper or lower jaw. This is necessary to place implants onto which a crown, bridge or dentures will be fastened. 

In the upper jaw behind the canines from the sides are the nasal sinuses or sinus. The lack of bone in this region can be supplemented, with a graft (own bone or artificial bone) that fills the space of the maxillary sinus. This technique is called "sinus lifting" or "sinus elevation."

This leaflet will tell you what you need to consider after treatment. For you personally, the situation may be different than described here. If so, the doctor will inform you.

Treatment

The necessary bone can be extracted from the oral cavity, such as from the side of the mandible or in the area of the wisdom tooth or chin. This can be done with a local anesthetic.

A combination of your own bone and artificial bone is often used. 

Post-treatment concerns

You can take painkillers 30 min before the procedure (Paracetamol 500mg x2), and after the treatment continue with this up to 3 times a day for at least 3 days.

After 1 to 2 weeks, the sutures are removed.

After-effects are usually limited and may include a sore in the mouth, some swelling and bruising in the cheek, some blood from the nostril bruise under or around the eye, cheek or neck. These symptoms may persist for several days. Sometimes the feeling in the upper or lower lip changes. Usually this is temporary.

This also applies to areas of the mouth where bone is extracted. 

What to keep in mind the first few days after surgery, sinus lifting:

• Do not blow your nose 

• No playing wind instruments!

• Opening the mouth wide when sneezing

• As much as possible try not moving actively and not bending over  

• Preventing as many allergies and colds as possible

• Do not use alcohol in combination with the prescribed medication.

• Smoking adversely affects wound healing.

• If you have trouble eating after surgery, it is best to consume liquid and soft foods for the first few days. 

• Lukewarm food and drink 

• You should not play sports or engage in strenuous physical activities. When you can return to work depends on the pain, discomfort and nature of your work. Keep in mind that you will be out of action for up to two weeks.

The bone graft needs time to fuse properly with the jaw. Therefore, the implants are not placed until five to six months later.

Your dentures will not fit after surgery. 

If you do want to wear dentures, the dentist can sometimes make a temporary, custom denture for you. Sometimes this does not work out, leaving you without dentures for several months.

Oral Care

After building up the jawbone with a bone graft (or other 

material) can cause inflammation in the jawbone. Such an inflammation 

can lead to (partial) loss of the bone graft. It is 

Therefore, it is important that you keep your mouth clean and complete the Antibiotic regimen as instructed. You are advised to rinse your mouth three times daily, after meals, with chlorhexidine 0.12%. You will start this the first day after surgery. You will receive a prescription for this at home. A black discoloration of the teeth and tongue may occur as a side effect. 

you stop using the rinse. You may use this mouthwash for up to 3 weeks.

When should you contact us

It goes without saying that the doctor will make every effort to keep complications to a minimum. Nevertheless, there is always a slight chance of post-operative bleeding or wound infection. You can contact us. You will receive the personal contact information of your surgeon and she/he is available to you 24x7 - or you can call the hospital department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery 

As:

• The pain, swelling and swallowing symptoms do not diminish after two days

• If there is fever (above 39° C).

• If you suffer from post-bleeding after the second day

During business hours you can contact the Dent Xperts practiceevenings, nights and weekends contact your own practitioner or emergency department at the nearby hospital.