Gelfoam post extraction
 

Hello,

Had an upper molar pulled extracted earlier this week and recovery (with pain meds) has been nominal. On second day, noticed that, as I had been warned, an air passage had opened into my maxillary sinus. Perio got me back same day, found a pinhole and put in Gelfoam, secured with stitches. Trying to be careful with depressurization of my mouth, but once again, air movement into sinus (day after Gelfoam).

Follow up early next week and optimistic about healing but would like to know if Gelfoam is impermeable to air. Mayne I should jam a sugar free Gummy Bear in the socket :)? Don't want no fistula! 😟

Too late Friday to see the dentist till Monday. Is it too soon to panic or should I simply try to avoid air movement (it's hard to do!) and be patient?

Thanks.

Hi Steveo,

The Gelfoam will not necessarily prevent the air flow that you speak about having. It is a Gelatin substance that has potential to help promote healing.

If the perforation is the size of a pinhole and the site is not infected, then it will mostly heal on it's own. However, you will need to do your part to help it heal. Did the surgeon suggest you use a nasal spray? If so, then a simple saline spray is ideal. It is also equally important that you not smoke, drink through a straw, forcefully sneeze or forcefully blow your nose for the next 2 weeks or so.

If the air flow becomes worse, see the surgeon asap. If the air flow does not gradually decrease or go away completely within the next 2-4 weeks, see the surgeon.

Bryanna

PS... avoid using the gummy bear ~'.'~

Welcome advice and reassurance!
 

Bryanna,

Your wisdom and insight is much appreciated!

My concern was that failure of Gelfoam to stop air movement meant the "patch" was not functioning, and with air moving through the pinhole (which shows no sign of infection) healing would not take place. Thanks for your reassurance that minor air movement of itself, is not a problem in the short term and the opening should heal by itself. I do not smoke or use straws and have been scrupulously avoiding any depressurization of my oral cavity, but as you know, it can be quite difficult to avoid. I'll continue my efforts to not move air through the opening, use the saline and trust healing will gradually happen over coming days. As mentioned, I'll see my perio early next week and will eat the gummy bears, as god intended.:)

Once again, my sincere thanks and I'm pleased someone with your credentials is a Forum participant!

Steveo,

The Gelfoam is not really intended to act as a plug and prevent air flow. It's more to protect the perforation from becoming contaminated via the oral cavity into the sinus.

Continue doing what you are and hopefully by next week it will be much better.

BTW.... God did not invent gummy bears. ~'.'~

Please keep us posted on how things are going.

Bryanna

Happy Ending!
 

Hello Bryanna,

A brief note of thanks for your information and support.

Visited my perio Wednesday and he was surprised to see my extraction was nearly 90% healed after 8 days!

Probably the most difficult period were the three days after stitches for the Gelfoam were placed. Oxy twice a day and lots of ibuprofen. Tapered off to just ibuprofen by Tuesday and was feeling just a steady ache by Wednesday past.

As of today (Friday), no pain meds at all!

Thanks again Bryanna. You helped me through this!:D:D:D