Thank you for answering my question. The dressing they gave me with the medication for the dry socket was actually something that dissolves on its own. They told me that the material used to put the medicine in the socket would dissolve and the medicine would stay in the socket which has happened as far as I know. I haven't had any more pain with the dry socket.
As of today I am taking the antibiotics but I have not had any pain medication in over 8 hours and I am not experiencing any pain with the mouth.
However, I do have muscular pain in the jaw. I'm a licensed massage therapist so I've been gently massaging the massater and doing some trigger point work along the tmj which has helped a lot.
Last night I had major pressure and discomfort on the left side of my nose and cheek (where the perforation is) and occasionally I feel a pop or air bubble like when you roll over in bed congestion and it clears up. It's a slight headache type feeling on the left side of my head which eases up a little with massage and heat. I don't have hardly any congestion though and both nostrils are dry and clear. When I drink its fine. I've been doing a saltwater irrigation with the syringe they gave me but haven't done a rinse because the nurse told me to hold off on rinsing , chewing, or even brushing at all on the left side of my mouth.
I've been staying with my parents in the country and its a food desert out here. I normally eat mostly organic and healthy but since being here its been mostly mashed potatoes, noodles, and ice cream.
I've been eating softer solid foods since day 3 - soft cheese, deli meat, noodles, etc. should I go back to just soft and liquid food like smoothies until I can see the doctor?
I notice when I chew I feel a little air in that left nostril but mainly that whole side just aches really bad.
I'm assuming this is to be expected with the perforation. I keep hoping that this will be something that will heal quickly on its own.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryanna
Hi junebird,
Yes, your description indicates a sinus opening or perforation. You should see the dentist on monday to evaluate the sinus to determine the size and location of the opening and to remove the packing from the lower extraction sites. That packing is not meant to be in there for more than a couple of days. If you have dry socket, the packing needs to be changed every 2-3 days for about a week or so.
Also, you should be rinsing with warm salt water 3-4 times a day, not just once. Also be sure to brush and floss the rest of your teeth. You do not have to use toothpaste, just plain water on the brush until the sites have closed a bit. You should be eating a nutritious soft food diet and nothing that requires a lot of chewing. It is best to unhealthy foods like sugar, sugar substitutes, soda, fast food and other junk food as all of these things can interfere with healing because they over load the immune system.
Refrain from blowing your nose, drinking through a straw, lowering your head as to touch your feet, and avoid strenuous exercise as that causes the sinus membranes to open up wider than when at rest. Avoid smoking and alcohol as both can prevent healing.
Some sinus perforations repair on their own, others do not. It needs to be evaluated and depending on that evaluation, it will need to be monitored periodically until it heals.
Bryanna
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