Pressure -- Bryanna
 

Hi Bryanna,

I am just driving myself crazy with this wisdom tooth extraction site issue. I STILL have an odd sensation at the site AND that sinus is most of the time feeling pressure. I have been to THREE ENTs and one said no sinus infection by looking up my nose with the scope. One said he thought Eustation Tube Dysfuntion from a cold I had 4 months ago, before extraction, and the third said he thinks all looks good but I am still healing from the extraction and that third molar removal can sometimes take a long time to fully heal. He said a lot of nerves around that area and to be patient. None have taken a CT. I have been to three different dentists and none think anything seems too off either and the site looks like it is healing really nicely. Two took dental x-rays of the site and said no infection. So....why do I have this pressure and sensation behind that left eye and along my nose most of the time? Could this be a perforated sinus? I go to see a new MD tomorrow, should I ask for a dental CT or some sort of scan? I just hate that I am still feeling pressure or something on the left side. I am not sure if is my ear or tmj or sinus or what! I do have the mouthguard and I really dont see any improvement. Could 3 ENTs, 3 dentists and 2 MDs be missing a sinus perf from the extractiion? I do not have a fever or elevated WBC. Is there a test I can do at home....to see if there is a perf?

Any advice??? This is driving me bonkers!!!

Kris

Hi Kris,

Third molar extractions as well as many other dental extractions take up to one year to heal completely. Most people are not aware of the physical sensations associated with the healing process. In your case, you are hyper sensitive to any unusual or annoying sensation AND you have symptoms both clinically and physically of a clenching or grinding habit. This habit will cause long term, chronic pressure in certain areas of your mouth, face, head, eyes .....the areas may move around or it may be localized to only certain places. These areas of pressure do not disappear immediately when you wear a nightguard because they are chronically inflamed and irritated. Just like a bruise on your arm or a sore muscle .... it takes time to heal once you stop the source of the irritation. You may also need to have your nightguard adjusted... how long have you been wearing it?

Can you post the xrays of that area?? A sinus perf should be able to be picked up on an xray at this point. Do you have any symptoms of a sinus perf like unusual chronic post nasal drip...a feeling of air going from your mouth into your sinuses... when you drink does it come out of your nose... any discomfort or odd feeling in the area of the extraction when you blow your nose...??

I know you are very frustrated with this situation. I cannot say whether there is a pathological issue or not but your xrays should give some idea if that were happening. A dental CT scan could be more definitive if there were an opening into the sinuses, but it also may be unwarranted. Hard for me to guide you on this one.

The ENT that mentioned Eustachian tube dysfunction....what make him come up with that? What did he see and what did he recommend?

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna! Thanks for replying!

Well, the one ENT was just in and out. He didnt even look up my nose or anything he just thought since I had a cold/virus in Oct and my ear was stuffed on the left side and pressure (this is what started the whole wisdom tooth as a poss cause in Oct) that my issue now could be ETD and it can take literally months to subside and was quite common. When I wasnt seeing improvement and went to another ENT, he said he didnt think ETD. He was very thorough and even did a hearing and ear pressure exam. He said my sinuses appeared clear. I didnt even think to talk to him at that time about the poss of a sinus perf. We were mainly looking to see if TMD or ear issue. He said my ears appear fine, no infection. He said my TMJ seemed ok, too. At least not anything major.

I only get that post nasal drip in the shower if I put the shower on my face or back of neck. Then I can "taste" something in my throat. It doesnt taste salty, I dont think, just kinda like drainage. Other that that, I am more stuffed up on that side. Not completely but enough. I almost wish it would drain out my nose. When I do blow my nose, it is always clear.

As for the x-rays, do I just call and ask for them? I dont have them here. This dentist that did them...I really like and trust. Well, I think I do. He did a good job on my filling and spends a lot of time with me. He never mentioned a perf, but neither did I. When I first had the tooth removed, a couple of weeks later, I was stuffy and called the actually dentist who did the removal and she said, "the tooth fell out. It literally fell out. There is no perf. Please stop worrying." That was November.

I dont notice anything coming out of my nose when I drink through my mouth. I really dont understand that. I would think I would notice. I drink a ton of water everyday and never have an issue.

I just hate that I am soooooooo sensitive! This is literally driving me nuts. When I wake up, I am fine. I almost forget about this and then I eat and then.....I start with either pressure in the region or a bit of "tenderness" at the site.

What is the difference between a dental x-ray and a dental CT? Is this a cone beam CT? Should I possibly mention this to my MD tomorrow? I am just so worried they are missing something and that this is going to turn into something big! I am so afraid of infection!!

Thanks~

Kris

Hi Kris,

The difference between the routine dental radiograph and the cone beam CT scan is.....

The routine radiograph is 2 dimensional and can only detect pathology within that dimension.

The cone beam CT scan is 3 dimensional allowing a larger, deeper perspective. It can also pick up even the most minute detail in the bone and soft tissue.

If having this scan will rest your concerns, then ask to have it done.

If you had "digital" xrays done at your dental office, you can ask the office to email them to you. You can then post them here as an attachment or let me know and I'll pm you my personal email address to forward them directly to me.

Bryanna

Hi....
I know I had a Pan Xray done BEFORE my wisdom tooth removal by an oral surgeon. Again, this was before the extraction and not after. Is that Pan XRay what you are referring to....where the x ray machine goes around your head?

As for the other x rays after the extraction.....they were done in office and the "thing" was placed in my mouth and xray done...the usual way. I can get those.

Thanks~

Kris

Kris,

A panorex radiograph is 2 dimensional. It shows the dentition and bone of the upper and lower jaw in it's entirety, tmj areas, portions of the sinus cavity, and sometimes pathology or calcium deposits in the carotid arteries. But only in a 2 dimensional view. A cone scan CT is different. Other dental radiographs are small individual films placed in the mouth to view specific areas.... again 2 dimensional. If the image came up on the computer screen, then it was digital imaging and can be emailed. If the images were mounted in a holder and viewed on a lighted view box, then they are the old fashioned radiographs and cannot be emailed.

Send whatever you can...
Bryanna

After FIVE long months, I am finally pain FREE!! It has been over a week so I feel ok to share my news. Please....all, getting a wisdom tooth out isnt always as "easy" as some think. It is for some....but was NOT for me! THANK goodness I can finally put this past me and thank the LORD for Bryanna. Without you, I would have lost my mind.

Kris

Same story
 

My story is EXaCTLY same as yours, exact symptoms and feelings after almost 7 months of right upper wisdom extraction. Thanks ot you got pain free after 5 months, i am still dealing wity it after 7 months. Some days better some days worse and always the constant pressu feeling on extra tion site, do you have any tips for me ? .