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?
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.