Wisdom tooth extraction after sinus infection?
 

Anyone every had a tooth extraction around the same time as having a sinus infection?

I'm just getting over a sinus infection (been on Augmentin 875mg twice a day for 6 weeks) and now I need to get my wisdom tooth pulled this Thursday. I e deep cavity (root exposed) done on the same tooth #16 in August and things haven't been the same. At that time my dentist said I might need root canal if it cause me discomfort but have decide to just remove it. Ever since i had the tooth filled I have had sinus pressure , sinus headaches and now this horrible sinus infection. My only concern is that I think my root is near my sinus cavity and is it ok to pull the wisdom tooth after having had a bad sinus infection?
I'm still on Augmentin for another 2 weeks!

Hi sibuja,

Your sinus infection could be the result of an infected wisdom tooth and it would not be wise to have this tooth root canaled. A deep cavity is an infection within the tooth. Fillings do not always fix the cavity if the decay has infected the pulp of the tooth. Which it sounds like this is what has happened.

It is probably best for you to get this tooth out this week while you are still on the antibiotic. Your healing may take a bit longer due to the inflammation from the long standing infection but you have to remove the tooth to get rid of the infection.

I would not put it off if it were me.

Please let us know how you're doing.
Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,

Thanks so much for your response. I'm have an appt for this coming Thursday with an Oral Surgeon. He mentioned at the time of the consult that my root may be up in the sinus but cause it's an xray and 2D he doesn't know for sure. I'm a little older than most for getting a wisdom tooth pulled - I'm 42. I'm a little anxious about the possibility of a communication in the sinus (i think that's what it's called) - having just getting over major sinus problems on the same side. Is this something to worry about? I think the oral surgeon said that if that occurred he would do a quick graph. Is that something that's commonly done?

Thanks again for you reply!

~Kai

Hi Kai,

I think the sooner you get that tooth out, the better. The longer you wait, the more complicated the extraction and sinus repair will be. Performing a sinus graft is a typical procedure for all oral surgeons. I know you are nervous about doing this, but you will feel a lot better once this infected tooth is out. Your body will thank you........ :)

Keep us posted!
Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,

Thanks for all the info! I'm finally getting my tooth pulled tomorrow AM. I'm feeling a little nervous! I don't like being "put under" so seeing it's one tooth -I'm going with a local. How hard is it to pull an upper wisdom tooth that's already grown in? I actually had an extra wisdom tooth pulled by my regular dentist that was behind the one I'm removing tomorrow - and I had only a local and was pretty good with the whole thing. I do have some Ativan - which I have for insomnia (of course I VERY RARELY take cause I don't like to take meds if I don't need to) - would it be helpful to take the Ativan 0.5mg before the procedure?

Thanks,
Nannette

Hi Nannette,

I'm glad you are getting that tooth out! You should be fine with just a local anesthetic. Upper erupted wisdom teeth are generally not that difficult to remove for an oral surgeon. If he sees an opening in the sinus he will determine the size and decide whether or not to close it or allow it to close on it's own. He may or may not place a bone graft.... again that is determined on the sinus issue as well as any infection that is up there.

With regard to taking the ativan...it is frequently prescribed for anxious dental patients to take one hour prior to their appointment. However, it is best to call the dentist in the morning and tell them you would like to take this medication. This way they can discuss with you the best way to take it.

Please check in with us tomorrow!

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,

Thanks for your feedback! Well I did it! Number 16 is out - no grafting needed. I decided not to take anything for the nerves and did ok. I had a local and I was in and out in about 20 minutes! I asked the Oral Surgeon if the sinus looked perforated but he thought everything looked good.....so I'll keep my fingers crossed. It's a little sore but I guess that's too be expected. I'm taking Tylenol and Advil which seems to be doing the job.

~Nannette

Nannette,

Yay! You did it!!!

Follow the post operative instructions and you should be ok!

Bryanna ~'.'~