Patient Guide for a Vertical Sinus Lift (Internal Lift)

Q: What happens if the sinus membrane tears during surgery?

The sinus membrane is a very thin, delicate tissue. A small tear or perforation is a known and common risk of this procedure. If this occurs, the most predictable and safest course of action is to stop the procedure and allow the membrane to heal. This is not a “failure,” but rather a prudent clinical decision to ensure the best long-term outcome. We would place a special collagen dressing to facilitate healing, and then re-schedule the procedure after approximately 6 weeks, once the membrane has fully repaired itself.

Q: Why are the sinus precautions so important for such a minor procedure?

While the approach is minimally invasive, we are still working directly adjacent to the delicate sinus membrane. Any sudden pressure from blowing your nose or stifling a sneeze can compromise the bone graft and the stability of your new implant. Following these precautions is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a successful result.

Q: I feel a tiny, gritty piece in my mouth. Is that the graft?

Yes, and this is completely normal. It is common for one or two tiny granules of the bone graft material to work their way out of the site during the first few days. This is not a cause for concern and does not mean the procedure has failed.

Q: How is this different from a "lateral" sinus lift?

A vertical lift is a much more conservative procedure. We perform the lift through the same small opening that is made for the dental implant itself. A lateral lift is a more extensive surgery that involves creating a “window” in the side of the jawbone. As a result, the vertical lift has significantly less post-operative swelling, bruising, and discomfort.

Surgical Care Instructions

Pain Management

A vertical sinus lift is a minimally invasive procedure, often performed at the same time as your implant placement. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and similar to that of a single dental implant.

Pain Management: For the first 2-3 days, we recommend a scheduled regimen of 600mg of Ibuprofen with 500mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) taken together every 6 hours to manage inflammation.
Antibiotics: Please finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent infection.

Bleeding Control

Minor oozing of blood from the surgical site is normal for the first 24 hours. Bleeding from the nose is uncommon with this procedure but possible.

Gauze: If you notice active bleeding from your mouth, apply firm but gentle pressure to the area with a piece of moistened gauze for 30 minutes.
Nose: If you see a spot of blood after wiping your nose, this is not a cause for alarm. Do not blow your nose.

Swelling Management

Unlike a more invasive lateral sinus lift, you should expect only minimal swelling with this procedure.

Ice Packs: You may apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the first day to help minimize any potential swelling.
Significant swelling or bruising is not expected. If you experience this, please contact our office.

Oral Hygiene/Site Care

While the procedure was minimally invasive, the same CRITICAL sinus precautions apply to protect the delicate work we have done. The success of your implant and graft depends on this.

CRITICAL Sinus Precautions (For the next 2-3 weeks):

DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE.
If you have to sneeze, do so with your mouth WIDE OPEN. Do not stifle a sneeze.
DO NOT fly on an airplane.
DO NOT drink through a straw, smoke, or vape.
Avoid activities that create pressure, such as blowing up balloons, playing wind instruments, or scuba diving.

Care for the Surgical Site in Your Mouth

DO NOT pull your lip or cheek back to look at the site.
Rinsing: Do not rinse for 24 hours. After that, you may begin gently rinsing with the prescribed medicated rinse or warm salt water. Let the water fall out of your mouth; do not spit.
Brushing: Brush your other teeth normally, but stay away from the implant site until we instruct you otherwise.