Sinus Perforation
 

About six months ago I had a rear upper tooth pulled. (The one farthest back on the left side that's not a wisdom tooth). After the dentist did it, he said that a small piece of jaw bone broke off, but that it wasn't a big deal. He stitched part of the tissue back together around the tooth hole.

It started bothering me shortly after that. I had a green, bad tasting ooze coming from it. Twice I went to the dentist and he said that it looked fine, that the tissue was pink and healing.

Well, Its six months later and i'm still having problems. The more I read about it, the more I think it might be a sinus perforation. Sometimes when I rinse my mouth with mouthwash, it comes out my nose, and the ooze that comes out of the hole is the consistency of snot.

I've read that a sinus perforation of this magnitude will probably require surgical repair by an oral surgeon. Unfortunately I waited to long to get it looked at. I recently lost my job and don't have the insurance or the money to be able to go see a dentist, let alone an oral surgeon.

It has me worried though. What are the complications of this? Can it cause a bad infection? If it is a sinus perforation that has gone on for this long, is my health in jeopardy? Is there anything I can do on my own to treat it? Help!!!!

Erin
:(

Hi Erin,

I guess Bryanna is away for a time, so no real answers. I do think something
serious is going on if you are having so much ooze in your mouth. Please try to find a way to get some help soon before things get worse.
kami

sinus perf
 

Hi Erin,

Your description of what is currently happening is not normal if an extraction site has healed properly. It sounds like you have an infection in the area where the tooth was removed. It may also be in the jawbone and yes, it does sound like there is an opening up into the sinuses.

You need to have that area of your mouth looked at because there is definitely something wrong there. I know you are short on cash right now, but this may not be something that can wait.

Infection in the jawbone as well as in the sinuses are progressive unless they are treated in the early stages. Since it has been going on for 6 months, I'm not sure an oral surgeon will be able to close the sinus perforation. It may be wise to see an Ear Nose and Throat Dr to rule out further sinus involvement.

By any chance did you smoke after this extraction or do you smoke now?

Oral or sinus infections can be very serious and both will most definitely affect your overall health. It would be wise to find a way to get an appointment with an oral surgeon and an ENT dr as soon as possible.

Please let us know how you are doing!

Bryanna

No, I don't smoke. Thanks for the answer. I know there is something wrong, I just don't know what I can do about it, I don't have any insurance or anything. I just hope it doesn't progress too much.

Erin

Erin,

I asked about the smoking because that can prevent an extraction site from healing. Glad you don't smoke!!

I understand your finances are tough right now. However, this may not be something that should wait any longer to be diagnosed and treated. If there is an infection in the jawbone with sinus involvement, it can be very difficult to cure depending on how extensive it is.

You might be fortunate and it might be able to be easily remedied. But you won't know that until you get a diagnosis.

There is nothing you can do to alleviate the problem on your own because it sounds like the area is open into the sinus. Is there anyone who could help you out with paying for the visit?

I wish you all the best...... I understand this is a stressful time for you and this issue has you very concerned. Try to take care of yourself and get in to see an oral surgeon and ENT dr as soon as you possibly can.

Bryanna

It's very depressing. I know there is a problem and there is nothing I can do about it. I'll just have to wait until it gets so infected and bad enough for an ER visit. I can't afford anything else.

I wish the dentist would have been upfront with me and tell me that is what happened. Six months ago I could have gotten it fixed. Now I'm jobless and have no insurance. What am I supposed to do? We're barely making it on my husbands salary, we don't have anything extra to be able to fix the problem.

Anyway, I'm just venting. I know it's not your problem.

Erin

Sinus perforations and oral infections can be serious
 

Erin,

I understand how depressing and scary this is for you. I also understand the financial aspect of this as well. Perhaps you could pay with a credit card??

I am surprised that your dentist did not inform you of the sinus perforation (if that is what it is) or give you any other reason at your follow up appointment why the surgical site is still open and oozing mucus. From what you have described, you may (or may not) already have a serious infection that is draining into places that you are unaware of. I am trying not to frighten you with too much information here, but I urge you to get it checked out.

My suggestion to you is this........ If you can be seen at the ER by an oral surgeon and/or an ENT dr, then perhaps that is what you should do. OR, go back to the dentist who pulled your tooth (pay nothing until he gives you a clear diagnosis and recommended treatment and your problem clears up) and ask him why you are getting mucus out of that surgical area after 6 months and mouthwash out of your nose when you rinse. He is obligated to complete the treatment that he started with you which originated with the extraction. He is not legally allowed to ignore your complaints of a legitimate physical problem which may have resulted from his dental treatment.

Erin, please hear me when I say it is not a good idea to wait this one out. A serious sinus infection can travel to any organ of the body including the brain. Please don't wait.

Let us know how things go......

Bryanna