What Are the Symptoms of a Failed Sinus Lift?

After a sinus lift, some swelling, minor bruising, sinus “fullness” and light oozing in the mouth are completely normal. You might even see a few tiny blood spots in your nose for 2 to 3 days. This is normal and usually goes away.

The symptoms that we’re listing below are not common, but if they appear, they suggest you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon for a check-up.

1. Continuous or Worsening Sinus Pressure

It is normal to feel some sinus pressure after the surgery. But if this pressure does not get better after the first week, or if it gets noticeably worse, it can be a sign that the sinus is not healing as expected.

2. A Constant Drip or Drainage

One of the more noticeable signs is drainage from your nose that does not stop. If you experience a passage of fluid and air between the mouth and nose, constant drip of fluid or “whistling or bubbling” at the sites, it could indicate a small opening between the sinus and the mouth, known as oro-antral communication.

3. Difficulty Breathing Through Your Nose

While some congestion is expected, a continued blockage that makes it hard to breathe through one side of your nose is not a standard part of healing. This can point to ongoing inflammation or infection in the sinus.

4. Pain That Lasts Too Long

Managing pain after surgery is normal, and your doctor will also give you instructions for this. However, if you have significant pain that continues beyond the first few days, or if sharp pain suddenly returns after you thought you were healing, it needs to be evaluated.

5. Signs of Infection

Any signs of infection are important to address quickly. This includes:

• A fever that develops after surgery.
• Thick, yellow, or green nasal discharge.
• Increased redness, swelling, or pus around the surgical site in your mouth.
• A bad taste in your mouth that does not go away.

6. The Feeling of Air or Bubbles Moving

If you feel a strange sensation of air moving or hear a bubbling sound from the surgical area when you breathe through your nose or speak, this can also point to a sinus communication.

Noticing one or more of these symptoms can be worrying, but nothing to panic about. Complications are uncommon, and most issues, when identified early, are straightforward to treat. The most important step is to contact your dental professional early. They can examine you, often with a simple X-ray or 3D scan, to see what is happening.

Many complications are managed successfully when they are detected early. Your dentist will guide you through the next steps, which may include medication or a minor procedure to help the area heal properly.

The chance of experiencing these symptoms is very low, especially when an experienced surgeon performs your procedure. A qualified professional uses precise techniques and strict protocols to protect your sinus health and promote healing.

Our team of experts at ACE Dental of Texas has the training and expertise to perform sinus lift surgery with a high degree of success. If you have questions about sinus lifts or are experiencing discomfort after a previous surgery, reach out for a consultation at (833) 777-7223.