Hi Bryanna- thanks so much for all the information you are a great help! I apologize for the typos! Using my cell for internet access probably isnt the best idea when typing lengthy notes- with that said I'm sure there will be a few more typos this time too! lol
ABOUT USE OF GAUZE-
I did tell the surgeon that I've been putting gauze over it (at that time he was writing in what I assume was my chart) he looked up from chart and said "gauze wont help" i said "oh but it does actually , it stops the suction feeling and the echo sound" i paused a minute but when he said nothing i continued "well the gauze won't HURT-will it?" but now that I'm thinking of it, I guess he didnt answer me because I don't remember him saying anything about it! His short answers and periods of silence gave me the impression he wasn't really listening to me or interested in what I had to say-I kinda got
the feeling he didn't think I should/needed to be there-makes no sense because I didn't request the appointment they had told me I had to come back in on Monday- Honestly if the symptoms had subsided I would have never went back.
DISHCHARGE-
I have only noticed tiny amounts of yellowish discharge on the gauze after i keep a piece in for an hour or so - i mean tiny- like a small dot- had to really look good at the gauze to even see it (ive been changing gauze probably a little less than every 2 hours -when they get extremely soggy)I am still taking clindamycin - I believe I have about 6 days left on it.
SINUS\EAR PAIN
As far as sinus pain/ear pain -No i havent had any
SMOKING
Yes i do smoke - the first day i did not smoke-The next cpl of days i tried to keep smoking to a very minimal amount -always keeping gauze over that side of my mouth and very cautious of inhaling (many years ago I got dry socket from smoking after an extraction-i would never want to feel that pain again) as of now I'm still trying to limit the amount of cigarettes i smoke, still keeping gauze in my mouth while smoking, rinsing my mouth with warm water after each cigarette also, (not sure that it does any good but if theres a way to smoke cautiously - that's what I'm doing 😕
- I am curious as to your thoughts on the gauze and healing? Any advice or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated- the last thing I want to do is delay or interrupt the healing process b/c of gauze!
Today is exactly one week since the extraction & if i still have no improvement in a day or two I will call and request my records, x-rays, etc...
Would you suggest I ask them directly - "Do i have a perforated sinus"? Also do you know if I am obligated to give a reason why I am requesting my records? Because regardless of what they say I would definitely feel much better having someone outside of that office just take a look at my mouth at this point. Being on the outskirts of Philadelphia it is only a short 10 minuet ride to the University of Penn Dental and at this point I'm thinking if nothing changes by the weekend that may be just the place i need to go to get answers, and hopefully a little peace of mind.
I appreciate all your help and information so much!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryanna
Hi Suzqwalk,
It sounds like the root of the tooth and possibly the infection had perforated the sinus. Depending on the status of the infection, this may heal on its own or it may not. The dentist should have informed you if the sinus was perforated or not. You can call his office and ask them to give you that information. They legally cannot withhold it from you. Ask for a copy of your records, surgical report and xrays to be sent to you. They have to comply with that request as those records belong to you. I suggest this because you may have further complications and this information would come in handy if you end up seeing another surgeon.
Did the surgeon say it was okay to keep the gauze in there covering up the wound? Do you notice any discharge from the surgical site? Do you have any sinus or ear pain?
Do you smoke? If so, it is best to stop because the chemicals in the tobacco can prevent the sinus from closing and can keep the wound from healing closed completely.
If there is no infection brewing in that area and you do nothing to aggravate it, the sinus membrane can take several weeks to close. The gum tissue may even close over before the sinus does. If the symptoms decrease and the site closes, this area should be monitored with an xray every few months to assure proper closure. If the symptoms stay the same at the end of 2 weeks and/or you develop worsening symptoms and/or sinus or ear pain, then do not wait to have it clinical and radio graphically evaluated.
|