[laurynnn]

Hello,
I hope Bryanna can help me on this, at least to make me feel less... afraid.
I have had a problem on my upper jaw for a while now, the gum will swollen (only have this in the morning when I wake up) and when I press it a yellow stuff comes out. So I thought this is an infection... due to the fact that I moved to Canada from Spain a couple of years ago, I didn't go to the dentist until my papers were ready.
So I told my dentist about it and he sent me to a Maxillo-facial surgeon. My dentist was saying I'm missing a tooth. My parents never took me to the dentist when I was small so I told him nothing had ever been removed from my mouth.
So I went to the surgeon and he took some x-rays. Apparently, one of my teeth never came out, it seems to be located very close to the sinus and he said that if there is infection it has to be removed....
he also told me that he couldn't guarantee 100% that I wasn't going to have problems with the sinus after, and that he has dealed with problems like this a few times.
he has 30 years experience, I mean, I'm not worried about that, but since he said he has to go through the sinus and that is tricky to remove it when it is in that location... I'm literally freaking out...
I've been reading some people's posts here and in other forums, and they have had some serious problems after surgery.
The operation is next wednesday... how worried should I be?
please reply before wednesday!
thank you.

[Bryanna]

Hi laurynn,

Your description of your dental problem indicates an infection in what is called a retained tooth up in your maxilla bone and it's possibly partially located in your sinus cavity as well. This is a very different issue from the other posts discussed on this thread here. Your tooth is not present/visible through the bone or gum tissue because it never came down with your other teeth. The other questions here are about teeth that are present (visible) in the mouth and their roots are located in or near the sinus. Different issue altogether.

Your oral surgeon has performed this type of surgery many hundreds of times in 30 years of practicing dentistry. It is a complicated procedure in that he needs to get adequate access to the tooth in order to remove it and that is a bit tricky considering where it is. Depending on how far up it is and how close to the sinus it is will determine if he has to enter the sinus or not. Again, he is well versed on this procedure and will know what to do when he gets in there. Any incisions he makes will be sutured closed and post operatively you will need to take a few days to rest and take extra good care of yourself. It is important to plan a nutritious soft diet ahead of time so it's one less thing to think about at the time. Make sure you have plenty of water to drink and a really great natural homeopathic pain reliever is called Arnica Montana. It can be bought online or at a health food store. It comes in small vials and the pellets are put under the tongue every few hours. You can actually start taking it twice a day a few days before the surgery. Homeopathy is very helpful in reducing swelling and pain for all oral surgery if it is taken properly. The pellets should never be touched, use the cap of the vial to place them under your tongue and you should not eat or drink for one hour after you take them.

As for the post operative problems with your sinuses...... that all depends on how extensive the infection is into the sinus.... how much of it he can remove..... how much of the sinus is affected by the infection.... and your body's own natural healing abilities. It is imperative to be healthy during the healing phase of this surgery. Avoid illness as best as you can, keep yourself well nourished and well hydrated with water...... avoid sugary foods, hard to digest foods, and empty carbs because they all lower the immune system.

I know this is scary but you will be ok. Are you being put to sleep for the procedure?

Bryanna

Originally Posted by laurynnn

Hello,
I hope Bryanna can help me on this, at least to make me feel less... afraid.
I have had a problem on my upper jaw for a while now, the gum will swollen (only have this in the morning when I wake up) and when I press it a yellow stuff comes out. So I thought this is an infection... due to the fact that I moved to Canada from Spain a couple of years ago, I didn't go to the dentist until my papers were ready.
So I told my dentist about it and he sent me to a Maxillo-facial surgeon. My dentist was saying I'm missing a tooth. My parents never took me to the dentist when I was small so I told him nothing had ever been removed from my mouth.
So I went to the surgeon and he took some x-rays. Apparently, one of my teeth never came out, it seems to be located very close to the sinus and he said that if there is infection it has to be removed....
he also told me that he couldn't guarantee 100% that I wasn't going to have problems with the sinus after, and that he has dealed with problems like this a few times.
he has 30 years experience, I mean, I'm not worried about that, but since he said he has to go through the sinus and that is tricky to remove it when it is in that location... I'm literally freaking out...
I've been reading some people's posts here and in other forums, and they have had some serious problems after surgery.
The operation is next wednesday... how worried should I be?
please reply before wednesday!
thank you.

[laurynnn]

yes he said they are going to put me to sleep, which is another thing that concerns me... I thought they would need to check if everything is fine with me since they are going to put me to sleep... I don't know if they are supposed to do it before the surgery...
he said he has to go through the sinus to remove it, I think it's pretty far up... I'm just worried about the problems I might have after the surgery... I don't wanna have problems for life because of this.
I have to say that this issue with this tooth it's been happening for a while and it's never bothered me or I have never felt any pain, the only thing is that in the morning is swollen and I have to press it to let the stuff out... but no pain at all...
do you think that infection could be treated with antibiotics or there is no way and I have to have that tooth removed?
I'm also concerned about the food issue, I can't stand pures or creams... so I don't know what I should eat after the surgery...
Also they are going to take advantage and remove my wisdom tooth at the bottom on the same side.
Thank you very much for your time.

[Bryanna]

Hi laurynnn,

Did you fill out a health history form at the oral sugeons office? Did or the nurse go over it with you? The surgeon deals with patients with all sorts of health issues and if he felt there was a reason to be concerned about giving you anesthesia, he would have spoken to you about it. If you have any concerns with it, then make sure you talk to him before he gives you the meds.

The sedation that is used intraveniously at the oral surgeons office is a light general anesthetic that puts a patient in what is called a twilight sleep. You will fall into a sleep very quickly and not be aware of anything going on around you. You will also wake up very quickly with little to no groggy feeling at the end of the procedure. The time will feel like only a few seconds have passed.

I wish an antibiotic would cure your infection but unfortunately it won't. The tooth is causing the infection and the only way to cure it is to remove the tooth.

Post op diet......needs to be soft in consistency. No creams or purees are necessary. Foods that are good are..... eggs, soup (not too hot) with lots of vegetables in it, pudding, and things of those consistencies. Nothing that requires alot of chewing and nothing spicy or hot temperature. Drink lots of water from a cup... do not use a straw. If you smoke, now is the best time to stop because smoking can slow the healing process and prevent the surgical site from healing completely.

I think you will do fine. I know it's scary, but you will be ok ) Just take really good care of yourself and make sure you eat nutritiously. You won't know the outcome of the sinus issue until the procedure is done. So please try not to worry about that right now.

Look forward to hearing from you once the procedure is done! Keep your thoughts positive and know we are thinking about you!

Bryanna

Originally Posted by laurynnn

yes he said they are going to put me to sleep, which is another thing that concerns me... I thought they would need to check if everything is fine with me since they are going to put me to sleep... I don't know if they are supposed to do it before the surgery...
he said he has to go through the sinus to remove it, I think it's pretty far up... I'm just worried about the problems I might have after the surgery... I don't wanna have problems for life because of this.
I have to say that this issue with this tooth it's been happening for a while and it's never bothered me or I have never felt any pain, the only thing is that in the morning is swollen and I have to press it to let the stuff out... but no pain at all...
do you think that infection could be treated with antibiotics or there is no way and I have to have that tooth removed?
I'm also concerned about the food issue, I can't stand pures or creams... so I don't know what I should eat after the surgery...
Also they are going to take advantage and remove my wisdom tooth at the bottom on the same side.
Thank you very much for your time.

[laurynnn]

thank you so so much bryanna, I am going to sleep much better now... the appointment is tomorrow at 9 a.m. so I think I better go well rested, I just ate as they told me not to eat anything 8 hrs before the surgery, and I can drink until 3 hrs before.
So hopefully everything will turn out well, I know tomorrow I am going to be scared as hell... but if it has to be done I guess that's part of it.
Thank you very much once again for your words and I will let you know how it goes.

Laura.

[Bryanna]

Hey Lauryn,

Hope everything went ok today.... when you're up to it, please send us a quick note

Bryanna

Originally Posted by laurynnn

thank you so so much bryanna, I am going to sleep much better now... the appointment is tomorrow at 9 a.m. so I think I better go well rested, I just ate as they told me not to eat anything 8 hrs before the surgery, and I can drink until 3 hrs before.
So hopefully everything will turn out well, I know tomorrow I am going to be scared as hell... but if it has to be done I guess that's part of it.
Thank you very much once again for your words and I will let you know how it goes.

Laura.

[laurynnn]

hi bryanna!
so... 24 hr after the surgery I can say that I\m pretty good! it all went smooth and quick like you said, I wok up thinking they were just starting, and all I heard was: we're done! ahahaha
Anyways, yesterday I was pretty good, they gave me meds for the pain, Tramacet, but no antibiotics, cause they injected some during the surgery, so unless it goes bad I don't need to take anymore.
the doc said when removing the retained tooth they also found a cyst.. .which I know what it is but I'm not quite sure how that formed in that area.
Also they cleansed and stitched the sinus, they advised me not to blow my nose to hard and if I have to sneeze, to let the air out.
right now I have a gauze between my two gums, to stop the bleeding, I gotta say that it went down a lot, I wasn't bleeding much yesterday and almost nothing today, but for my own comfort I'm keeping the gauzes in my mouth, I feel it more secure cause that way I can't touch it with my tongue.
Also they advised me to have ice on the area yesterday and today, cause from tomorrow is when it's gonna be swollen and painful.
but like I said, yesterday and today so far, no pain at all.
I have an appointment next thursday to see how is everything.
Thanks again for your time and words bryanna, you are really helping out people, at least telling us how things are straight... and I appreciate that cause I was really nervous before the surgery.

Take care!
Lauryn.

[Bryanna]

Hi lauryn,

I am so glad your surgery went well!
I would stop using the gauze because it may be disturbing the clot. There is no need to use it anymore.
Did they suggest that you rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours? This is the usual protocol and it can be very helpful with the pain and healing.

Because there was sinus involvement, you should avoid certain things..
1) Do not blow your nose at all if possible but don't sniff up, blow it gently if you have to.
2) Sneeze with your mouth open.
3) Do not gargle.
4) Do not drink through a straw.

I'll bet you are very relieved..... hopefully you will continue to do well and your discomfort will be minimal.

Please keep up posted on how you are doing!!

Bryanna

Originally Posted by laurynnn

hi bryanna!
so... 24 hr after the surgery I can say that I\m pretty good! it all went smooth and quick like you said, I wok up thinking they were just starting, and all I heard was: we're done! ahahaha
Anyways, yesterday I was pretty good, they gave me meds for the pain, Tramacet, but no antibiotics, cause they injected some during the surgery, so unless it goes bad I don't need to take anymore.
the doc said when removing the retained tooth they also found a cyst.. .which I know what it is but I'm not quite sure how that formed in that area.
Also they cleansed and stitched the sinus, they advised me not to blow my nose to hard and if I have to sneeze, to let the air out.
right now I have a gauze between my two gums, to stop the bleeding, I gotta say that it went down a lot, I wasn't bleeding much yesterday and almost nothing today, but for my own comfort I'm keeping the gauzes in my mouth, I feel it more secure cause that way I can't touch it with my tongue.
Also they advised me to have ice on the area yesterday and today, cause from tomorrow is when it's gonna be swollen and painful.
but like I said, yesterday and today so far, no pain at all.
I have an appointment next thursday to see how is everything.
Thanks again for your time and words bryanna, you are really helping out people, at least telling us how things are straight... and I appreciate that cause I was really nervous before the surgery.

Take care!
Lauryn.

[laurynnn]

hello bryanna,

so today is the third day, and they told me it's supposed to start swelling and hurting... it does hurt a little bit compared to yesterday and the day before, and I can feel my face and even my ear burning... but it's alright, I thought it would be much worst.
I stopped using the gauze like u said, it doesn't bother me so much anymore, I can feel a couple of steetches in my mouth tho, they said they will disolve.
Also I've been rinsing since yesterday with warm water and salt, and I do it everytime I eat, and in between meals. also when I get up and before I go to bed.
For the wisdom tooth they removed at the bottom, they told me to wash it the 4th or 5th day with warm water and salt or even with a little bit of mouthwash mixed with the warm water, they gave me a syringe for that.
the worst part of all this is the FOOD! I loooooooooove food and I enjoy eating... and all I can eat right now is soups... so that's what is being harder for me right now
everything else seems to be ok, we'll see how everything goes on thursday when I see the doctor.

[Bryanna]

Hey lauryn,

Great to hear from you! Very glad to hear that you are doing so well!!! Some people don't swell too much and maybe you will be one of them

The stitches will dissolve on their own. If you still have them when you go in for your post op appointment they may or may not take them out. Stitches in the mouth do not hurt when they are removed.

It's good that you are using the salt water rinses. Three to four rinses a day is plenty. More than that can cause the oral tissue to slough off and become irritated. So three-four times will do the trick.

About irrigating the wisdom tooth socket with the syringe...... only use salt water NOT mouthwash. Here's why.... salt is a natural antiseptic and healing agent which is exactly what you need. Over the counter mouthwashes are not meant to be used on surgical wounds period. They have ingredients that can irritate the wound and slow down the healing. The idea is not to kill the bacteria ... it is to keep the area clean. ANY mouthwash that contains alcohol is especially bad not only for oral wounds but for any time usage because the alcohol is extremely irritating to the oral tissue. Alcohol is a drying agent which causes the mouth to become unnaturally dry which is very irritating to the oral tissue. It also decreases the flow of saliva which increases the chance of oral lesions and tooth decay. So it would be wise to skip the mouthwash completely and just use the salt water.

When you irrigate, use a lightly salted water mixture and gently, very gently irrigate the area. There is no reason to use force to remove the debris at this time.

Eating can be a bit challenging but if you are eating soups at least you are getting your vegetables. Here's a site with info on soft food diet.
http://www.drugs.com/cg/soft-diet.html

It really is great to hear you are doing so well... let's hope everything continues on the same path!!

Bryanna ~'.'~

Originally Posted by laurynnn

hello bryanna,

so today is the third day, and they told me it's supposed to start swelling and hurting... it does hurt a little bit compared to yesterday and the day before, and I can feel my face and even my ear burning... but it's alright, I thought it would be much worst.
I stopped using the gauze like u said, it doesn't bother me so much anymore, I can feel a couple of steetches in my mouth tho, they said they will disolve.
Also I've been rinsing since yesterday with warm water and salt, and I do it everytime I eat, and in between meals. also when I get up and before I go to bed.
For the wisdom tooth they removed at the bottom, they told me to wash it the 4th or 5th day with warm water and salt or even with a little bit of mouthwash mixed with the warm water, they gave me a syringe for that.
the worst part of all this is the FOOD! I loooooooooove food and I enjoy eating... and all I can eat right now is soups... so that's what is being harder for me right now
everything else seems to be ok, we'll see how everything goes on thursday when I see the doctor.