Post-Operative Instructions: Sinus Surgery
What is a sinus, and why be careful of it?
The maxillary sinus is normally filled with air and sits behind your cheekbone. The inside is covered with very thin skin and drains fluid into your nose when you have a cold or allergies or a surgery that fills it up with fluid. The mucosa is so thin that just by blowing your nose, it could punch a hole right through it.
Sinus Precaution:
DO NOT blow your nose, smoke, suck on a straw, or build up pressure in your nose for 3 weeks.
DO open your mouth if you have to sneeze.
Medication:
If you are prescribed an antiseptic mouth rinse (chlorhexidine or Peridex™), use it for a week.
Start taking pain medications, and eat something within 30 minutes after the procedure.
If you have a reaction to any medicine that CWOFS gave you, stop taking it immediately, and call the office.
Usually, you should also take 400 mg of ibuprofen and 325 mg of Tylenol® every 6 hours in addition to your other pain medicine. Ask the CWOFS team or your pharmacist if you should not be taking this in addition.
Use the Afrin® nasal spray or Sudafed® decongestant as you are prescribed.
If you feel like you need to clear your nose, it is okay to use a saline (salt water) nasal spray gently.
Diet:
Do not chew on the affected site for 2–3 weeks, and adhere to a soft diet (smoothies, eggs, well-cooked pasta, etc.).
Other:
To stop bleeding, put gauze on the site and apply constant pressure for 30 minutes.
To request a consultation and learn more about our services, please request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!
