An oral surgeon removed all my wisdom teeth. My oral surgeon explained how I can flush the sockets after wisdom tooth extraction. Although he said I do not need to flush the upper sockets, I felt sinus pressure, so I did it anyway. The last time I flushed the right upper socket, yellow discharge came out. And I feel pressure in my left sinus. I wonder if my sinus is perforated. Is this serious? I am concerned that the surgeon knew he punctured my sinus but didn’t tell me. I am on day six after surgery, the pain is improving, but I am concerned about the discharge.
The timing of all this could not be worse. I am scheduled to get my teeth whitened in three weeks. Thanks. Janie from TN
Janie,
It is normal for some bacteria to settle in the sockets, but it appears that your immune system is helping you avoid an infection.
Nose Pressure After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After wisdom tooth extraction, you might feel nose pressure when you flush the socket because the roots of upper molars can be close to the sinus. If your sinus were perforated, the rinsing solution would come out of your nose while flushing the socket. You did not mention that issue, so the sinus membrane is intact and does not require treatment.
Continue flushing the socket as directed but be gentle to avoid rupturing the sinus membrane. Leave the blood clot in the socket to form a framework for bone growth as the extraction site heals.
Are You Ready for Teeth Whitening After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
It is best not to begin teeth whitening treatment until the sockets and surrounding tissue heal completely. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, it can take several weeks for soft tissue to heal after wisdom teeth extraction. Your dentist will ensure your teeth, gums, and extraction sites are healthy before whitening your teeth.
If you rush the process, the teeth whitening process can irritate the extraction sites.
Ryan Perry, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.