[Grace123]

Hi Bryanna and all,
My tooth (#14) was infected in earlier May and had root canals done between May 29 and June 8, 2013. Infection was very bad and spread all the way to sinus. The dentist put me on Pennicillin first (got bad allergy reaction) and then Clindamycin (had diarrhea). I was off from any antibiotics for nine days before the extraction.
The tooth was extracted by an oral surgeon on Tuesday morning (July 2). He said the site doesn’t look like infected (at least not serious). I was OK on Tuesday and most time of Wednesday. But this morning (July 4) I started feeling pain around the extraction area. The surgeon did put me on 5 days Z-pack. I started taking Arnica last night but the pain is getting more frequent. Is this normal or does it indicate an infection? Anything I should do now?

I am very concerned now. I don’t have a good tolerance to antibiotics. I’ve lost 15 pounds in a month due to the tooth infection.

Thanks a lot for your inputs

[Bryanna]

Hi Grace,

Did the oral surgeon say anything about a sinus communciation when he extracted the tooth?

Also, the site had to be infected ... perhaps it wasn't as bad as he anticipated. I wish dentists would inform patients better....:/

An extraction site that starts to hurt or has increased pain on the 3rd to 4th day needs to be seen by the oral surgeon. It could be the onset of a dry socket. If you wake up tomorrow and it feels good, then no need to worry. If it hurts like the dickens, go see him.

You don't have a good tolerance to antibiotics because you don't have a healthy balance of bacteria in your intestines. In addition to that, antibiotics kill off the good and bad bacteria in the intestines. So it is imperative to have an abundant supply good bacteria entering your intestinal tract on a daily basis. You need to supplement with a probiotic twice a day for at least the next few months to try and replace the good bacteria. It is also imperative to cut out all forms of sugar and processed foods in your diet because the bad bacteria thrive on those things.

I am sorry you are going through this. Please see the OS if it does not feel better tomorrow and please do what you can to restore the good bacteria.

Keep us informed on how you're doing!
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Grace123

Hi Bryanna and all,
My tooth (#14) was infected in earlier May and had root canals done between May 29 and June 8, 2013. Infection was very bad and spread all the way to sinus. The dentist put me on Pennicillin first (got bad allergy reaction) and then Clindamycin (had diarrhea). I was off from any antibiotics for nine days before the extraction.
The tooth was extracted by an oral surgeon on Tuesday morning (July 2). He said the site doesn’t look like infected (at least not serious). I was OK on Tuesday and most time of Wednesday. But this morning (July 4) I started feeling pain around the extraction area. The surgeon did put me on 5 days Z-pack. I started taking Arnica last night but the pain is getting more frequent. Is this normal or does it indicate an infection? Anything I should do now?

I am very concerned now. I don’t have a good tolerance to antibiotics. I’ve lost 15 pounds in a month due to the tooth infection.

Thanks a lot for your inputs

[Grace123]

Hi Bryanna
Thanks a lot for your reply.
The pain is better today, so I didn’t go to see the oral surgeon.

About the sinus.
During the consultation before the extraction (tooth #14), I did ask the OS about the sinus situation. He said the root doesn’t look like growing into the sinus cavity from the panoramic x-ray. He said the infection was not very obvious and at least very localized. I also told him that during the root canal treatment (between May and June, 2013), I got very bad sinus infection . Is there any way to repair the perforation? He mentioned something (I forgot the name) that can be used to repair the perforation.
The extraction was on the next morning (July 2, 2013). Before the extraction, I asked him again about the sinus. He said “we will see”. The extraction was fast (less than 3 minutes). I don’t think he did anything else other than extracting the tooth. After the surgery, I asked him whether any root is in the sinus cavity and he said no. I expressed my worry about the sinus infection again. He put me on Z-pack. This OS is referred by a holistic dentist and supposed to be a reputable one. But I really don’t know now whether he took care of my sinus issue or not.
I still feel some pressure around the sinus area 4 days after the extraction. Sometimes the pain starts from the extraction site and penetrates to the sinus area. I am very concerned now after reading some posts here. I have a follow up appointment with the OS next Tuesday. Is there anything I should ask the OS about? What else should I do? Could you please let me know?
Thank you very much
Grace

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi Grace,

Did the oral surgeon say anything about a sinus communciation when he extracted the tooth?

Also, the site had to be infected ... perhaps it wasn't as bad as he anticipated. I wish dentists would inform patients better....:/

An extraction site that starts to hurt or has increased pain on the 3rd to 4th day needs to be seen by the oral surgeon. It could be the onset of a dry socket. If you wake up tomorrow and it feels good, then no need to worry. If it hurts like the dickens, go see him.

You don't have a good tolerance to antibiotics because you don't have a healthy balance of bacteria in your intestines. In addition to that, antibiotics kill off the good and bad bacteria in the intestines. So it is imperative to have an abundant supply good bacteria entering your intestinal tract on a daily basis. You need to supplement with a probiotic twice a day for at least the next few months to try and replace the good bacteria. It is also imperative to cut out all forms of sugar and processed foods in your diet because the bad bacteria thrive on those things.

I am sorry you are going through this. Please see the OS if it does not feel better tomorrow and please do what you can to restore the good bacteria.

Keep us informed on how you're doing!
Bryanna

[Bryanna]

Hi Grace,

Hopefully you are feeling better today.

You can get a sinus infection from an infected tooth without a perforation in the sinus membrane. So that may be what had occurred with you if the OS said the sinus was intake when he removed the tooth.

The one thing that concerns me is you said the extraction only took 3 minutes and he didn't do anything else other than remove the tooth. A thorough tooth extraction includes removal of the tooth, removal of the periodontal ligament and debrided of any visible necrotic tissue. Do you recall him doing that?

When you see him on tuesday you might inquire about that. You could ask him something like this .... <<< I was surprised that the extraction went so quick considering that I had an infection that apparently had spread to my sinus. I did some reading on extractions and I want to know if you removed the periodontal ligament and scraped the bone clean of infection??>>

Hopefully he did everything he should have done. In the meantime, keep the area clean with warm salt water rinses. No mouthwash as that will just irritate the surgical wound. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on that side. It is best to make sure you brush and floss all of your other teeth very well to keep the plaque down.

I do hope you are feeling better today
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Grace123

Hi Bryanna
Thanks a lot for your reply.
The pain is better today, so I didn’t go to see the oral surgeon.

About the sinus.
During the consultation before the extraction (tooth #14), I did ask the OS about the sinus situation. He said the root doesn’t look like growing into the sinus cavity from the panoramic x-ray. He said the infection was not very obvious and at least very localized. I also told him that during the root canal treatment (between May and June, 2013), I got very bad sinus infection . Is there any way to repair the perforation? He mentioned something (I forgot the name) that can be used to repair the perforation.
The extraction was on the next morning (July 2, 2013). Before the extraction, I asked him again about the sinus. He said “we will see”. The extraction was fast (less than 3 minutes). I don’t think he did anything else other than extracting the tooth. After the surgery, I asked him whether any root is in the sinus cavity and he said no. I expressed my worry about the sinus infection again. He put me on Z-pack. This OS is referred by a holistic dentist and supposed to be a reputable one. But I really don’t know now whether he took care of my sinus issue or not.
I still feel some pressure around the sinus area 4 days after the extraction. Sometimes the pain starts from the extraction site and penetrates to the sinus area. I am very concerned now after reading some posts here. I have a follow up appointment with the OS next Tuesday. Is there anything I should ask the OS about? What else should I do? Could you please let me know?
Thank you very much
Grace

[Grace123]

Thanks Bryanna,

I really really appreciate your reply.

The OS didn't say the sinus was intact (if that's what you meant). He didn't mention anything after the extraction. Until I asked him, he said that the root is not in the sinus cavity.

I am pretty sure he didn't do anything else other than extracting the tooth. The referral form from the holistic dentist states "extract the tooth and remove the periodontal ligament". During the consultation before the surgery, the OS asked me "what is that"? I briefly explained and he gave me an expression like that's totally non sense. I will ask the OS in the follow up appointment anyways. But I don't have much confidence that he did what should have been done.

Bryanna, what options do I have now? If I did get sinus infection without a perforation in the sinus membrane, do I have any chance to recover on my own (get rid of the infection for both the tooth and sinus)? or Do I have to have the extraction site reopened and cleaned again? The infection around the sinus is still there that I can very much feel.

Thank you very much Bryanna. Fortunately someone like you are willing to share the expertise here......
Grace,

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi Grace,

Hopefully you are feeling better today.

You can get a sinus infection from an infected tooth without a perforation in the sinus membrane. So that may be what had occurred with you if the OS said the sinus was intake when he removed the tooth.

The one thing that concerns me is you said the extraction only took 3 minutes and he didn't do anything else other than remove the tooth. A thorough tooth extraction includes removal of the tooth, removal of the periodontal ligament and debrided of any visible necrotic tissue. Do you recall him doing that?

When you see him on tuesday you might inquire about that. You could ask him something like this .... <<< I was surprised that the extraction went so quick considering that I had an infection that apparently had spread to my sinus. I did some reading on extractions and I want to know if you removed the periodontal ligament and scraped the bone clean of infection??>>

Hopefully he did everything he should have done. In the meantime, keep the area clean with warm salt water rinses. No mouthwash as that will just irritate the surgical wound. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on that side. It is best to make sure you brush and floss all of your other teeth very well to keep the plaque down.

I do hope you are feeling better today
Bryanna

[Bryanna]

Hi Grace,

I know you do... that's why I'm here

Regarding the attitude of the OS about removing the periodontal ligament...... he may have been taken back a bit by the general dentist stating in writing to remove the ligament. That's an ego thing.... he should have reassured you that he will take care of that instead of being an *** about it. Your GD had every right to give you that note because he is looking out for your best interest and wants to make sure you received the proper treatment as he was the one who referred you there.

The first thing to take care of at this point is to tell the OS about your feeling that you have a sinus infection. Secondly, get a confirmation from the OS that he removed the ligament and any unhealthy bone. If he is vague about answering you, press him for a direct answer. He legally has to disclose what he did and didn't do at the time of the extraction. Request a copy of the surgical report if he's not willing to give you the information verbally. Again you have a legal right to this document. Too bad if his ego is bruised... that's his problem. There is no reason why he should not disclose this to you.... unless he didn't do what he was suppose to do :/

If you leave the OS office feeling unsettled or in doubt, I would suggest that you call your GD and speak to him directly about the situation. First of all your GD and yourself need to know if there is a possibility of residual infection. Secondly, your GD needs to be able to trust the referrals that he gives his patients. If you don't inform him, then he will assume all went well. I hope I have explained that okay....

Please try not to worry. think positive and stay focused on what you feel is important and proceed forward. Please check back tomorrow

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Grace123

Thanks Bryanna,

I really really appreciate your reply.

The OS didn't say the sinus was intact (if that's what you meant). He didn't mention anything after the extraction. Until I asked him, he said that the root is not in the sinus cavity.

I am pretty sure he didn't do anything else other than extracting the tooth. The referral form from the holistic dentist states "extract the tooth and remove the periodontal ligament". During the consultation before the surgery, the OS asked me "what is that"? I briefly explained and he gave me an expression like that's totally non sense. I will ask the OS in the follow up appointment anyways. But I don't have much confidence that he did what should have been done.

Bryanna, what options do I have now? If I did get sinus infection without a perforation in the sinus membrane, do I have any chance to recover on my own (get rid of the infection for both the tooth and sinus)? or Do I have to have the extraction site reopened and cleaned again? The infection around the sinus is still there that I can very much feel.

Thank you very much Bryanna. Fortunately someone like you are willing to share the expertise here......
Grace,

[Grace123]

Thanks a lot Bryanna. I will follow up tomorrow after I meet with the OS.

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi Grace,

I know you do... that's why I'm here

Regarding the attitude of the OS about removing the periodontal ligament...... he may have been taken back a bit by the general dentist stating in writing to remove the ligament. That's an ego thing.... he should have reassured you that he will take care of that instead of being an *** about it. Your GD had every right to give you that note because he is looking out for your best interest and wants to make sure you received the proper treatment as he was the one who referred you there.

The first thing to take care of at this point is to tell the OS about your feeling that you have a sinus infection. Secondly, get a confirmation from the OS that he removed the ligament and any unhealthy bone. If he is vague about answering you, press him for a direct answer. He legally has to disclose what he did and didn't do at the time of the extraction. Request a copy of the surgical report if he's not willing to give you the information verbally. Again you have a legal right to this document. Too bad if his ego is bruised... that's his problem. There is no reason why he should not disclose this to you.... unless he didn't do what he was suppose to do :/

If you leave the OS office feeling unsettled or in doubt, I would suggest that you call your GD and speak to him directly about the situation. First of all your GD and yourself need to know if there is a possibility of residual infection. Secondly, your GD needs to be able to trust the referrals that he gives his patients. If you don't inform him, then he will assume all went well. I hope I have explained that okay....

Please try not to worry. think positive and stay focused on what you feel is important and proceed forward. Please check back tomorrow

Bryanna

[Grace123]

Bryanna,

I just got the panoramic X-ray from OS's office. It was taken the day before the extraction (tooth #14). Could you please take a look?

How was the infection at that time? Was sinus around the root?

Many many thanks,
Grace,

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi Grace,

I know you do... that's why I'm here

Regarding the attitude of the OS about removing the periodontal ligament...... he may have been taken back a bit by the general dentist stating in writing to remove the ligament. That's an ego thing.... he should have reassured you that he will take care of that instead of being an *** about it. Your GD had every right to give you that note because he is looking out for your best interest and wants to make sure you received the proper treatment as he was the one who referred you there.

The first thing to take care of at this point is to tell the OS about your feeling that you have a sinus infection. Secondly, get a confirmation from the OS that he removed the ligament and any unhealthy bone. If he is vague about answering you, press him for a direct answer. He legally has to disclose what he did and didn't do at the time of the extraction. Request a copy of the surgical report if he's not willing to give you the information verbally. Again you have a legal right to this document. Too bad if his ego is bruised... that's his problem. There is no reason why he should not disclose this to you.... unless he didn't do what he was suppose to do :/

If you leave the OS office feeling unsettled or in doubt, I would suggest that you call your GD and speak to him directly about the situation. First of all your GD and yourself need to know if there is a possibility of residual infection. Secondly, your GD needs to be able to trust the referrals that he gives his patients. If you don't inform him, then he will assume all went well. I hope I have explained that okay....

Please try not to worry. think positive and stay focused on what you feel is important and proceed forward. Please check back tomorrow

Bryanna

[Bryanna]

Hi Grace,

Thanks for posting the panoramic xray. I have to tell you that the alignment of your jaw with the xray machine was not in the proper position which is an unfortunately common problem seen in many dental offices. If you notice, in the upper arch it looks like you have an upside down smile line indicated by the dark black line that comes across from one corner of your mouth to the other. Anyway, this angle causes the upper maxilllary area to be somewhat skewed (ie: undiagnosable) as you can see it is very black. The posterior maxillary where your molars are is somewhat less affected by this era as far as the teeth are concerned. However, the sinus cavity is not very visible here either.

I can tell you that tooth #14 was very unhealthy/infected and appears to have some cystic activity around the roots. It is possible that this infection spread to your sinus. Whether or not there was a sinus perforation, the bacteria still could have infected the sinus. This area definitely needed to be debrided after the tooth was removed.

It would behoove you to have a periapical xray (this is a single film) of the #14 site to show a better view of the anatomy there. It may tell if there was a sinus correlation with this tooth, if there is residual granulomatous tissue (cysts), and if there is a sinus perforation.

I'm sorry to tell you all of this. I wish I could prevent these stupid mistakes from occurring. Some dentists need to be more strict not only about their own work but about the tasks that their staff perform. UGH :/

I suggest that you ask your OS to take the single xray. If he doesn't then see your GD.

Hope your mouth is feeling a bit better today... even after I gave you this crummy news!!

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Grace123

Bryanna,

I just got the panoramic X-ray from OS's office. It was taken the day before the extraction (tooth #14). Could you please take a look?

How was the infection at that time? Was sinus around the root?

Many many thanks,
Grace,

[Grace123]

Thank you very much Bryanna for your quick reply.
Here is a X-ray taken on June 13, 2013, five days after the root canal treatment was done. The sinus infect was very bad at that time. I don't know whether this X-ray helps or not.

The extraction was on July 2, 2013.

Thank you very much

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi Grace,

Thanks for posting the panoramic xray. I have to tell you that the alignment of your jaw with the xray machine was not in the proper position which is an unfortunately common problem seen in many dental offices. If you notice, in the upper arch it looks like you have an upside down smile line indicated by the dark black line that comes across from one corner of your mouth to the other. Anyway, this angle causes the upper maxilllary area to be somewhat skewed (ie: undiagnosable) as you can see it is very black. The posterior maxillary where your molars are is somewhat less affected by this era as far as the teeth are concerned. However, the sinus cavity is not very visible here either.

I can tell you that tooth #14 was very unhealthy/infected and appears to have some cystic activity around the roots. It is possible that this infection spread to your sinus. Whether or not there was a sinus perforation, the bacteria still could have infected the sinus. This area definitely needed to be debrided after the tooth was removed.

It would behoove you to have a periapical xray (this is a single film) of the #14 site to show a better view of the anatomy there. It may tell if there was a sinus correlation with this tooth, if there is residual granulomatous tissue (cysts), and if there is a sinus perforation.

I'm sorry to tell you all of this. I wish I could prevent these stupid mistakes from occurring. Some dentists need to be more strict not only about their own work but about the tasks that their staff perform. UGH :/

I suggest that you ask your OS to take the single xray. If he doesn't then see your GD.

Hope your mouth is feeling a bit better today... even after I gave you this crummy news!!

Bryanna