DuPont Circle | Washington, DC
Downtown McLean | Virginia
Sinus Lift Bone Graft in Washington DC
What is Sinus Lift Procedure?
The maxillary sinuses are air-filled spaces located behind your cheekbones, just above the upper back teeth. The roots of your natural upper molars often extend into these sinuses. When those teeth are removed, only a thin wall of bone may remain between the sinus floor and your mouth — often too thin to support dental implants. So it may not be possible to place dental implants securely in this area.
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A sinus lift bone graft (also called a sinus augmentation or sinus graft) is the solution in such cases. This minimally invasive procedure, performed by Dr. Saltman, creates the bone volume needed to place implants in the upper jaw.
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How the Sinus Lift Procedure Works:
During the procedure Dr. Saltman gently lifts the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone where the upper molars once were.
A small access window is made in the side of the jaw to reach the sinus cavity.
The sinus membrane — a thin, tent-like lining inside the sinus — is carefully lifted upward, creating space below it.
Bone graft material is placed between the lifted membrane and the sinus floor (which is also the roof of the upper jaw).
After approximately four months of healing, the graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a stable foundation for dental implants to be placed in the upper jaw.
When Can Implants Be Placed?
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If sufficient bone exists between the upper jaw ridge and the sinus floor, sinus augmentation and implant placement can sometimes be performed in a single procedure.
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If bone volume is insufficient, the sinus lift is performed first. Once the graft matures — typically several months, depending on graft material — implants are placed in a second procedure.
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The sinus graft has made dental implants possible for thousands of patients who previously had no alternative to loose, ill-fitting dentures.​
Immediately Following Sinus Lift Surgery
• Bite firmly on the gauze pad covering the grafted site to help control bleeding. We will change the gauze before you leave the office.
You may need to change the gauze once more at home, leaving it in place for an additional 30 minutes.
• You may experience numbness in your lips, cheeks, or tongue. This is temporary and will wear off within 2–4 hours. Please take care not to bite your lips, cheeks, or gums during this time.
• Apply ice packs to your face for the first 24 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling.
• Take your prescribed pain medications as soon as possible, as directed.
• Do not rinse or spit on the day of surgery, as this may prolong bleeding.
Special Precautions
What are the important precautions after sinus lift surgery?
• Avoid activities that may create pressure in the sinus for at least one week following surgery.
Please avoid:
– Blowing your nose (you may gently wipe your nose; decongestant may be used if needed)
– Sucking through a straw
– Smoking
– Rinsing your mouth vigorously
– Sneezing (if you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open)
– Air travel (for at least two weeks)
– Playing wind instruments
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• It is normal to experience some sinus drainage after surgery. This will gradually decrease and resolve on its own.
• If you experience any airflow through the surgical site, please contact our office.
Bleeding after Sinus Lift Surgery
Will I have bleeding after sinus lift bone graft procedure?
It is normal to experience mild oozing for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. You may also notice your saliva is slightly blood-tinged for a few days—this is expected and part of the healing process.
What should I do if I experience oozing (my saliva is slightly blood-tinged)?
• Place a folded piece of gauze or a moist tea bag over the surgical site and apply gentle, consistent pressure by biting down for 20–30 minutes.
• If the gauze becomes saturated, replace it and repeat as needed until bleeding is controlled. Once bleeding has subsided, continued use of gauze is not necessary.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth or using a straw for 24 hours.
• Refrain from smoking or consuming alcohol for 24 hours.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for 3 days.
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If excessive bleeding occurs (pooling or dripping of blood out of the surgical sites within 15-20 seconds of removing the gauze), apply firm pressure by folding and placing a gauze pad directly over the surgical site and bite firmly on the gauze for one hour.
If excess bleeding continues, apply a gauze pad for an additional 30 minutes. If excessive bleeding persists, contact Saltman implantology and oral surgery at 202-331-4110.
Pain Management after Sinus Lift Surgery
How can I manage my pain after sinus lift bone graft surgery?
Some level of discomfort is normal following surgery. Please take all medications exactly as prescribed by Dr. Saltman. For your convenience, prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy.
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We recommend picking up your medications promptly after your procedure so you can begin taking them before the local anesthetic wears off, helping to ensure optimal comfort.
Infection Risk & Antibiotics after Sinus Lift Surgery
Should I be concerned about infection after sinus lift bone graft procedure?
Risk of infection is low but not zero. Antibiotics will be prescribed by Dr. Saltman and must be taken after your surgery, typically for at least one week. It is essential that you take the medication exactly as directed and complete the full course.
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• If you experience nausea, you may temporarily hold the medication until symptoms improve; however, you must resume and complete the full prescription as directed.
• If you experience hives, rash, or itching, discontinue the medication immediately and contact Saltman implantology and oral surgery at 202-331-4110.
What are the signs of infection after sinus lift bone graft surgery:
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Increasing pain or swelling after 5 days
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A foul taste or odor in the mouth
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A temperature above 38°C (100.4°F)
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If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our office promptly Saltman implantology and oral surgery phone number is 202-331-4110.
Swelling After Sinus Lift Surgery
Will I have swelling after sinus lift bone graft surgery?
Swelling around mouth, cheeks, and eyes is a normal reaction to a sinus lift bone graft surgery and peaks at 2–3 days.
To reduce swelling:
• Ice packs 20 min on / 20 min off
• Head elevation for 48 hours
• After 3 days, warm compress 4x daily​​​
How can I prevent swelling after oral surgery procedure?
To help prevent swelling:
• Apply ice packs to the cheeks for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
Keep your head elevated for first 48 hours after surgery. Use crushed ice in a ziplock bag or a bag of frozen peas bag wrapped in a moist cloth to prevent frostbite.
• After the first 3 days, you can begin using a heating pad or moist heat for relief of swelling, bruising, and stiffness of the jaw. Apply heat 4 times/day for 30 minutes time intervals.
Diet After Surgery
​What can I eat after sinful bone graft surgery?
After the first 3 days, you can begin returning to a more normal diet, but you may still feel more comfortable eating softer foods at first. Good options include soups, noodles, scrambled eggs, pasta, pudding, yogurt, ice cream, juices, milkshakes, pancakes, and other easy-to-chew foods.
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Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.
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Avoid hard, crunchy foods (such as chips) for at least 5 days, as they can disturb the surgical area.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after anesthesia, and avoid alcohol entirely while taking narcotic pain medications or antibiotics.​​
Wound Care Instructions
What is best wound care instruction after sinus lift bone graft surgery?
Oral Rinse Care
If prescribed, use Peridex (chlorhexidine 0.12%) mouth rinse 2–3 times daily after brushing.
• Swish gently for 60 seconds, then spit it out
• Do not swallow
You may also rinse with a saltwater solution (½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) several times a day to help keep the area clean and promote healing.
Sutures (Stitches)
Your sutures will dissolve on their own within 1–3 weeks after surgery.
• It’s normal for them to loosen as swelling decreases
• You may feel small pieces come off—this is expected
Resuming Activities
• Most patients take 1–2 days off from normal activities
• You can return to work or school when you feel ready
• Avoid strenuous activity (heavy lifting, intense exercise) for at least 2 weeks after surgery
Denture Use After Surgery
Can I wear my upper removable prosthesis after sinus lift bone graft?
We generally recommend not wearing your upper removable partial denture, flipper, or full denture for at least 2 weeks after surgery. This allows the surgical site time to heal and the tissue to firm up properly.
Wearing your removable appliance too soon can:
• Reopen the surgical wound
• Irritate the sutures
• Interfere with proper healing
If there is an absolute need to wear your upper removable (for esthetics or speech), Dr. Saltman can adjust it by placing a soft liner (cushion) inside the denture. This helps reduce pressure on the surgical area and protects the sutures.
Brushing After Surgery
Can I Brush my teeth after sinus lift bone graft surgery?
You may brush your teeth on the day of surgery; however, avoid brushing the surgical site for at least 7 days to prevent irritation and disruption of healing.
Why are bone particles coming out of my nose after a sinus lift bone graft surgery?
​This can happen if sinus pressure increases too soon after surgery. The sinus and graft area are closely connected, so pressure can push small bone particles into the sinus and out through the nose.
Common causes include:
• Blowing your nose
• Sneezing forcefully or holding in sneezes
• Sniffing hard
It can also be triggered by:
• Drinking through a straw
• Spitting forcefully
• Smoking
In most cases, this will stop once you avoid these activities and allow the area to heal.
When to Contact Office
Contact Saltman Implantology and Oral Surgery promptly at 202-331-4110 if:
• Persistent bone particles coming out
• Nose bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Increasing pain or swelling
• Signs of infection (fever, foul taste, discharge)​​
