Baton Rouge Dentist

How Long Does a Sinus Perforation Infection Last?

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Man portraying sinus pressure from a perforation after tooth extractionMy cheek swelling increased after wisdom teeth extraction from a sinus perforation. I called the oral surgeon when a yellow discharge started coming from my nose and sockets. The surgeon prescribed Augmentin, which decreased the welling. After two weeks, one sinus was still infected. The surgeon took a CT scan and said my sinus was clear of any fragments that could cause infection. He prescribed Azithromycin, and I have a few pills left. The sinus hole is still draining, and I feel some pressure in it. I use a prescription rinse and Flonase. Are my symptoms typical, or do I need to see a sinus specialist or make an emergency appointment with my dentist? Thank you. Naaman from Brooklyn

Naaman,

Thank you for your questions.

Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth or refer you to a specialist for an accurate diagnosis. Still, we will use your description of your symptoms to explain what may be happening.

Does a Sinus Perforation Cause an Infection?

Although a sinus perforation does not usually cause an infection, bacteria from the tooth can push into the sinus as a doctor removes the tooth. Augmentin and Azithromycin are appropriate medications for swelling and infection. If a CT scan does not show any tooth fragments in the sinus that can interfere with healing, your oral surgeon is managing your symptoms well.

Lingering Sinus Infection After Finishing Antibiotics

After finishing the antibiotics, you may need an Azithromycin refill if you have a lingering sinus infection. Continue taking the medication until the infection clears to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Flonase reduces inflammation and sinus pressure over time. Although we do not have all the details about your case or dental records, you should not need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist or schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. Call your oral surgeon if the infection lingers because you may need another prescription to continue taking Azithromycin.

We wish you a steady recovery.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

Nose pressure and discharge after wisdom teeth extraction

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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?

Custom made trays hold the bleaching gel in place.
After tooth extraction sites heal, your dentist can begin teeth whitening treatment

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.