Sinus Instructions

These instructions have been provided to you after an extraction or other surgical procedure involving¾or in close relation to¾the maxillary sinus. To reduce your risk for healing complications, which may lead to a chronic communication between the mouth and the maxillary sinus, we suggest that you do the following:

1. Smoking: Refrain from smoking or vaping for 2-weeks following surgery. The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and vaping products dramatically impair wound healing.
   
   
2. Nose blowing: Do not blow your nose for the next 3-weeks. Blowing your nose will force air through the hole from your maxillary sinus into your mouth.
   
   
3. Sneezing: If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open for the next 3-weeks. Sneezing with your mouth closed will force air through the hole from your maxillary sinus into your mouth.
   
   
4. Avoid disturbing the area that has been surgically treated. Do not test to see if a hole is present.
   
   
5. If required, you may use a nasal decongestant or nasal spray to relieve nasal stuffiness.
   
   
6. Take you antibiotics as prescribed.
   
   
7. If you wish, you may sleep with two pillows propped behind your head to promote maxillary sinus drainage.
   
   
8. It is important to keep your post-operative appointment with your surgeon.
   
   

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR SURGICAL PROCEDURE, THE ANESTHETIC, OR ANY OF THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR SURGEON PRIOR TO TREATMENT.