After Sinus Exposure
Occasionally, after the removal of upper teeth, you may develop an opening between your mouth and your maxillary sinuses. This is called an Oral Antral Communication. In most cases, it is easily treated with the following simple instructions:
- Do not blow your nose. This will blow mucous through the wound and impair healing. Sniffing is ok.
- Sneeze or cough with your mouth open. Holding back or trying to suppress a sneeze creates a lot of pressure in the sinus and can re-open wounds that are healing. Sneeze with your mouth open and let it out!
- Do not smoke. The heat and smoke from smoking can impair healing as well.
- Do not drink through a straw. The pressure created by sucking liquid up through a straw can also damage wounds that are healing.
- Observe a soft diet and avoid the injured area while chewing.
- If there is unusual bleeding, drainage or sinus pain, contact your Oral Surgeon.
There are several treatments for Oral Antral Communications and your Oral Surgeon will decide which is best for each individual case. Usually, following these simple instructions is all that is required, but occasionally, the Oral Surgeon may pack or suture the wound closed. He may also prescribe medications or ask you to wear a special splint for a few days.
Following these instructions will usually result in minimal discomfort and rapid resolution of this problem.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at Portland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Phone Number (207) 387-2055. After hours, you will reach our answering service and they will page the doctor and have him call you back.