Sinus problems still after removal of teeth
 

Hi,
It has been almost 6 weeks since I have had teeth 14 and 15 removed because of a bad root canal. The roots were in my sinuses and were infecting my sinus cavity. The oral surgeon put me on Biaxin for a week and the ENT extended it for two more weeks. I felt like the sinus problem was going away but it never really cleared. Then about 2 and a half weeks ago, I went off all medication. Gradually my sinuses became infected again and now I have a full blown sinus infection. The mucus is thick and green with blood in it and it is in my post nasal area. I had two bone grafts on #14 and 15 and now there are no other teeth on that side. Should I go back to the oral surgeon? He said that if removing those teeth didn't cure the sinus problem he didn't know what to tell me. Is there anything that could be a problem still? Or did I not take antibiotics long enough or the right ones and the infection just didn't go away? I have had an MRI of the sinus and I don't have sinus disease, just Odontogenic sinusitis. But I have removed that problem. Also, I can't get into ENT for a month. Any help would be so appreciated, I am really tired of living like this! Thank you

Also just to add, I still have some neck swelling on that side and my left ear is still ringing loudly.

Angels,

Your entire description of what is happening is indicative of infection. The graft material may (or may not) have been put in too soon. Some dentists are real quick to put that in and it is so important for the sites to be free of infection before grafting is done.

At this point, the oral surgeon and ENT need to get their thoughts "together" on how to proceed. If they won't collectively corroborate, you may have to consult with a new OS and ENT. You may also have to consult with an infectious disease specialist.

You need professional guidance on this from both an OS and ENT as soon as possible.

Bryanna

Thank you for your response, Bryanna. With the holidays that is easier said than done. My question is, should I call the oral surgeon and is there a way he can tell if this is being caused from the bone graft material? Like an X-ray ? Also, I am just wondering why an infectious disease specialist? I tried to get into one a while back and they wouldn't take me. This is so hard as nobody seems to care and I feel like I slip through the cracks everywhere. This has been going on almost a year now. I need to go back to work as in February I start on Cobra and I won't be able to afford it. I work for the airlines and can't fly like this. Ian so frustrated!
Also, if the bone graft was infected, wouldn't I be able to tell from the site? It seems to be healing well, it isn't sore (once in a while there is a little pain) or is it overly red or swollen.

Angels,

If you are comfortable seeing this same oral surgeon, then yes, call him and get in to see him. Xrays will most likely be needed and possibly a 3D scan also. There is a definite problem that needs to be diagnosed properly and treated accordingly. This may require both the OS and the ENT to work together. So you need to discuss that with both the OS and the ENT. If they put you off by just prescribing more antibiotics, then find another OS and ENT who will work together. FYI... it is not uncommon for oral surgeons and ENT drs to corroborate on patient cases. So don't assume you are asking for something unusual.

It is important for you to know that the infection in that area of your mouth started with the teeth. That means if the teeth were infected prior to the rc procedures, they have remained infected and the bacteria has been proliferating since that time because root canal therapy does not cure infected teeth. So however long ago that was is when it all began. Not when you first noticed symptoms. Due to the longevity and severity of the infection, you may need to consult with an Infection Disease specialist. So that is something you should be discussing with the OS and the ENT.

I know this is very difficult to deal with and you are most likely feeling like crap from the infection. However, if you give the impression to either the OS or ENT that you are willing to go along with more antibiotics without a definitive diagnosis, then that is how they will treat you. Sometimes we have to muster up the strength to ask uncomfortable questions in order to seek some reasonable answers. For example, ask the OS if it's possible the grafts were put in too soon before the infection was cleared and if it would be wise or helpful to remove them? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of doing that at this time? Is there still an open communication into my sinus from my jaw? How can this infection affect my systemic (overall) health and what are the chances of it traveling to my eyes or my brain?
Please know that these are not unrealistic questions.

Most often when a dentist or doctor gets the impression that the patient feels deeply concerned about the infection making them seriously ill and that you are no longer willing to put a band ade on the problem, they are more likely to act differently towards you.

I'm sorry you are going through all of this. I wish getting the proper help were easier and we didn't have to work so hard at obtaining it. But in some cases, we just have to be persistent until it gets resolved.

Bryanna

Thank you Bryanna! I have to be in the oral surgeons office tomorrow morning at 7:45 am. I will ask those questions and keep you posted. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Hi Angel31, Sorry for jumping on your post, I hope you get sorted out soon and feel better.
I have a problem that is ruining my life and no one seems to be able to sort out.
I had my Lateral incisor removed it healed up okay but I had pain up and down the side of my nose when touched very painful! Which if I touch my nose it set off a tight feeling in the back of my nose. After a couple of days I started to get pain in my jaw, also in my ears.
My sinuses started to burn in the back of my nose like it was on fire, and I'm getting mucus running down the back of my throat which is making my throat sore and keeps gurgling. Causing me to have a dry mouth. Can any one give me some advice.