Sinus Precaution Instructions
These instructions apply only if our team specifically advised you to take sinus precautions — typically following an upper tooth extraction where the sinus may have been exposed. If you were not given these instructions at your visit, they do not apply to you.
You are being given these instructions to protect your sinuses and to help prevent complications. There is a close relationship between the teeth and the sinus. When a tooth is removed, it may leave a communication between the mouth and the sinus. Because your sinus is unusually large, your roots are long, or a combination of both, your sinus may have been exposed when the tooth was removed. It is not uncommon to have blood in the nasal discharge for several days. Notify our office if any symptoms develop that seem unusual to you.
Please follow these instructions for 14 days
- Do NOT blow your nose. Air pressure must not be increased in the nasal or sinus cavities.
- Try not to sneeze. If you should, keep your mouth open to prevent an increase in air pressure in the sinus cavities.
- Do NOT use a straw.
- Do NOT spit.
- Do NOT rinse vigorously for several days. Chew on the opposite side as much as possible.
- Do NOT fly in an airplane.
- Do NOT swim or submerge your head.
- Do NOT do any vigorous exercising.
- Do NOT smoke.
Please obtain and take the following medications
Only take medications that were specifically recommended or prescribed to you at your appointment.
- Afrin (over-the-counter nasal spray) — as directed on the bottle for 3 days only.
- Sudafed ER (over the counter — ask the pharmacist) — 120 mg by mouth every 12 hours for the next 7–14 days. If you are still congested, continue taking every 12 hours as needed.
- Augmentin (prescription) — 875 mg by mouth 2 times a day until gone, for 7–14 days — or
- Clindamycin (prescription) — 300 mg by mouth 4 times a day until gone, for 7–14 days.
It is possible that even with all these precautions, an opening from your sinus to your mouth may develop and persist. In this event, the surgical closure of this opening will be required to assure the complete healing of the extraction site and sinus cavity.
Please call our office if you have any questions. Call 512-472-5633 or email info@koladentistry.com.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need sinus precautions after an upper tooth extraction?
The roots of upper back teeth sit very close to the sinus. Following these precautions protects the healing site and helps prevent an opening between your mouth and sinus while it closes.
What should I avoid after an upper extraction?
Avoid blowing your nose, drinking through straws, and forceful sneezing — sneeze with your mouth open. Also avoid smoking and heavy lifting during the healing period.
How long do I need to follow these precautions?
Follow them for a full 14 days, even if you feel fine sooner. The healing site needs that time to close securely, and a single forceful nose blow or sneeze early on can reopen it and require further treatment.
Learn more about tooth extractions, or call 512-472-5633 if anything concerns you.
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