Post-operative instructions for patients who have received communication closure between their mouth and sinus (oral-antral communication closure).
The sinus is an air pocket we have in the cheek bone, connected to your nose and it sits above our upper teeth. Sometimes the upper teeth can lie in the sinus, so when they are removed, a hole or channel is created into your mouth. Sometimes a small hole with heal naturally without intervention. However sometimes we need to close the hole with a surgical procedure.
Procedure
You have been provided with surgical closure of the hole/channel between your mouth and sinus. This is to prevent the movement of liquids from your mouth into your sinus and nose.
This procedure involves closing the gum completely over the tooth socket and the hole into the sinus. You will have stitches in your gum, and sometimes we will use ones which take longer to dissolve or may need to be removed in the clinic- we will advise you of this.
It needs time to heal, and you need to take special care after your procedure to prevent wound breakdown or infections. The aim of this care is to prevent pressure changes in the sinus and encourage good healing.
Below is a list of special instructions that are recommended to increase your chance of healing. Strictly adhering to the below will reduce the risk of wound breakdown and importantly the need for further surgery.
Special instructions
- Do not smoke or vape for 2 weeks- this is very important. Smokers are more likely to have wound breakdown, infections and continuation of the hole into their sinus.
- Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks. If you have a runny nose, please wipe only.
- Do not hold in sneezes for 2 weeks. This means you should not hold your nose or internalise a sneeze. You should let it out.
- Do not use a straw to drink liquids for 2 weeks.
- Do not fly for at least 2 weeks.
- We advise against snorkelling, scuba diving, playing wind instruments, inflating balloons (or similar)
Additional instructions: Your surgeon will advise if this is necessary for you
Steam inhalations
Fill a large bowl with 500ml boiled water. Place a tea towel over your head and hold your face 12-15cm away from the bowl whilst taking deep breaths through your nose. Do not place your face into the water and take care not to burn yourself. Complete steam inhalation for 5 mins up to three times a daily for 1 week.
Menthol crystal steam inhalations
This is the same process as above, but you drop 3-4 menthol crystals into the water to release a vapour. Menthol crystals are available from your local chemist, ask at the counter.
Nose drops
You may be prescribed a nasal decongestant-such as Ephedrine nasal drops. Nose drops are to be used in the nostril on the affected side only for 7 days maximum. (To be used with caution with patients that suffer from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and who are being treated for depression with medication).
Nasal douches
Your surgeon will advise if this is necessary. This involves washing the nostril and nose with water using a syringe. There is a separate instruction leaflet for this.
Antibiotics
Occasionally antibiotics will be prescribed to reduce the likelihood of sinusitis and infections. Your surgeon will advise if these are required. Antibiotics are not always required and will be prescribed on a case-by-case basis.