Her Sinus Peforation Still Hasn’t Healed

In late November when I had an upper right molar tooth extracted, my dentist sedated me. I don’t know why he was talking to me when I was half out of it. Anyway, my dentist told me he could see into my sinuses. I don’t remember much other than that. I took all the prescribed antibiotics, but the sinus perforation is only partially closed. When I sneeze or blow my nose, I can feel that it’s still open and I think that my sinuses are infected.

I get a low fever almost every day, and I have frequent headaches. My dentist keeps telling me to give it more time, but I wonder if it’s time to see an oral surgeon. I hate the thought of being sedated and something going wrong again. Is it normal to have a prolonged healing period? Thanks, Tyler

Tyler,

We are sorry to hear about your ongoing discomfort after your molar tooth was extracted. The prolonged healing period is not normal.

What’s happening?

  • It’s likely that you’ve had an infection ever since your tooth was extracted.
  • If the perforation hasn’t healed yet, the tip of the tooth root or a bone fragment might remain in your sinus.
  • Your dentist should have x-ray your sinus to see if an object is preventing the perforation from healing
  • You can ask for a referral to an otolaryngologist to determine if there is something preventing proper healing and to get the right treatment.
  • The hole needs to be closed. You’ll need another course of antibiotics to clear the infection.
  • If a bone graft is needed, the gum tissue over it will close in four to six weeks. The bone graft will heal in four to six months. You’ll have follow-up appointments to check the progress.

Will you need to be sedated?

Photo of female patient sitting and relaxing in a dental chair, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano female dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Sedation will help you relax as the sinus perforation is corrected

Although you are hesitant about being sedated again, it will ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Otherwise, your discomfort can prevent the oral surgeon from completing the procedure. You will have a consultation before the perforation is closed, and you can talk with the surgeon about your concerns.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Is This Hydrogen Peroxide Solution Good for Whitening Porcelain Veneers?

I found a mouthwash and teeth whitening recipe online that I can make that won’t harm my porcelain veneers. I just want to double-check the ingredients to make sure it will work. It contains 8 oz filtered water, boiled; 8 oz of 3% hydrogen peroxide; and 2 tablespoons of sea salt. Is this mixture okay to use on porcelain veneers, or are the measurements off? Thanks. Gloria from Little Elm

Gloria,

If your veneers are stained, avoid any at-home methods to brighten them.

How to whitening teeth that have been restored with porcelain veneers

Mouthwash – Mouthwash that contains alcohol will soften the bonding that adheres the porcelain veneers to your teeth. It will create a reservoir around the edge of your veneers that attracts stains. Your veneers can loosen, too. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash.

Hydrogen peroxide – Although hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, including harmful bacteria that promote gum disease, it also kills beneficial microbes. The result is an overgrowth of yeast, or candida albicans.

Although short-term use of hydrogen peroxide is helpful as a mouthwash, prolonged use can develop into unwanted symptoms, including:

  • Oral yeast infection
  • White and peeling oral tissue
  • Raw, red, and painful patches

What if your veneers are stained?

Photo of a single porcelain veneers, from affordable Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Ensure your veneers are maintained by a cosmetic dentist

If your porcelain veneers appear to be stained—or if you want to ensure they remain sparkling white— what can you do?

  • Continue to maintain good oral hygiene. Floss between your teeth daily and brush them with non-abrasive toothpaste.
  • Speak with your dentist if you have concerns about discoloration or stains. He or she has in-office equipment to polish your veneers without harmful whitening chemicals.
  • Avoid using tooth whitening solutions on your porcelain veneers. The chemicals can scratch the surface of your veneers and attract stains.
  • Only have your veneers cleaned by a dental hygienist who is trained to use the correct tools to avoid damaging them.

Plano TX female dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy, sponsors this post.