What is the best test to determine if you
 

have osteomyelitis after an extraction (going on two months). Also, what type of doctor is the best to see for this. Let's say you had a tooth extracted three hours away and your nearby dentist is acting weird and hands off with you and you need to see someone nearby.

I had a molar near my maxillary sinus removed and all heck broke loose. I still have burning pain in nose/cheek, and have seen two ENTs and there is nothing wrong with my sinus. Really want to find out if there is an infection hiding in there. Don't have a fever, just have pressure in the palate, slight swelling that comes and goes, and a weird burning/pulling feeling in my sinus, or that area. It's so bad today that I want to lay down, take Naproxen, and sleep. It's so frustrating. I've had an MRI and nothing showed aside from sphenoid thickening, I've had a CT scan a month ago, and nothing showed but I am not happy with this pain and want to avoid any unnecessary problems in the future. I cannot tolerate this level of discomfort for an extended period of time.


Thank you.

You're not alone in your search....
 

There are some old posts on here that list the best way to test for Osteomyelitis, *edit*

Also, I had #13 extracted along with some filing of the bone that I had no idea was going to be done, hole in the sinus wall..and horrible dry socket that I can explain except for fluid draining out it preventing it from clotting. I am experiencing sinus pressure, drainage of fluids that I never had a problem with until this extraction. I will not let a doctor tell me that I already had this hole or this problem with my sinuses before the extraction because it started right after the extraction and is exactly where she worked..... on filing bone of some sort.. and drilling. ???

DX osteomyelitis.......
 

Hi greany,

Your post got lost in the shuffle of things... sorry :/

Osteomyelitis can be difficult to diagnose at the early onset. Your symptoms and dental/medical history needs to be thorough and diligently discussed with a physician or an oral surgeon. Sometime a radiologist and/or infection disease specialist is brought in on the case. There are other things that mimic osteoymyelitis like cellulitis or osteonecrosis... etc.

Some tests that can diagnose bone infection are:
The Gallium Bone Scan
The Tech-99 Bone Scan
A CT Scan dentally formatted in 1 mm slices
To check the sinus a CT of the sinus in 1-3 mm slices.
An MRI depending on the stage of the infection can help determine how long
the infection has been present.
Sometimes a needle biopsy is done to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection so the proper antibiotic, dosage and regimen can be prescribed.

So you see it's not that simple as to what test to ask for. Your physical discomfort, visible symptoms and med/dental history play a huge part in determining the proper tests, etc.

I remember discussing with you the possibility of complications as you were going to travel far for the extraction. Have you spoken to the OS who performed the surgery? Perhaps they can give you a recommendation of someone to see nearer to your home.

Bryanna