Dental emergencies can be stressful, especially when complications occur. A perforated sinus after tooth extraction is an uncommon but possible complication when upper molars are removed. If it is not treated properly, it can lead to infection, discomfort, and sinus problems that require additional care.
Name withheld.
Dear Anonymous,
Perforated Sinus After Tooth Extraction: What Happened?
The roots of upper molars often sit very close to the sinus cavity. In some cases, removing a tooth can create a small opening between the mouth and the sinus.
When this happens, dentists normally follow specific protocols to help the area heal properly. Patients are usually advised to:
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Avoid blowing their nose
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Avoid drinking through a straw
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Follow special post-surgery instructions
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Take appropriate antibiotics if infection is present
Without proper care, the opening may become infected and cause ongoing symptoms.
An emergency dentist is simply a general dentist who is willing to see non-established patients in cases of emergencies such as yours. However, this particular dentist did not act responsibly. In fact, there are protocols in the case of a perforated sinus he should have followed to aide with healing. At the very least, he should have informed you and warned you to go easy on it and not blow your nose.
Another problem going on here is he seems to have you on the wrong antibiotic. This needs to be dealt with right away before you end up with a medical emergency. I’d call your medical doctor and let him know what is going on so he can get you on the correct medication. You should feel significantly better within 24 hours of the right antibiotic.
Normally, when dealt with properly and right away a perforated sinus can heal on their own. However, yours has been left to linger. I’d like you to see an ENT. Call their office and let them know what transpired with the emergency dentist. They should arrange an emergency appointment for you so you can get in sooner. This will likely need some help.
Replacing Your Molar
Though it isn’t an aesthetic issue for you, you really should consider replacing the missing molar. When an empty space is left, the opposing teeth will look for something to touch and start “reaching up” to find the opposing tooth. That will get uncomfortable for you.
Additionally, it will be easier for you to eat with something there. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. However you want an experienced implant dentist with a lot of post-doctoral training.
You’ll also want to make sure they don’t rely on traditional x-rays for placement. It’s important they use a CT scan when determining placement. Otherwise, they can risk perforating your sinuses yet again.
This blog is brought to you by La Crescenta Dentist Dr. Robert Thein.