I had a molar extracted. Four days later, I called letting them know there is a popping sound in the right side of my nose, which is the side of the extraction site. That is when they told me there was a small sinus perforation, which they described as routine. They suggested I take Sudafed, which I did. By the next day, I had a 102-degree fever. They called me in an antibiotic, but by day 10 of this, I was getting worse instead of better. I called asking for a referral to n ENT, which they provided for me. Should they have to pay for this?
Carol
Dear Carol,
Your dentist has not handled this properly. I’m disturbed by the fact that they didn’t tell you about the sinus perforation with your tooth extraction until four days later. Even then it was only because you called and told them there was a problem. There is a standard treatment for this type of thing, which does happen sometimes. In most cases, with the right course of treatment, it is no big deal and heals quickly.
First, they should have informed you right away and asked you not to blow your nose for a few days in order to aid healing. There is also a biocompatible resorbable sponge they can pack the area with called, Gelfoam, which will help the tissue to regrow sooner.
When healing doesn’t take place, it can mean there is a piece of bone that not only broke through your sinus cavity but was left there. This can lead to infection. I suspect this is what happened in your place.
Going to an ENT is the right course of action for you. It also sounds like you may be on the wrong antibiotic. The infection should be healing by now. When you call the ENT, let them know what is going on so they can write you a new prescription for the proper antibiotic. You’ll want to get this under control before it turns serious.
Additionally, I would insist your dentist pay for this treatment that is now required. If he doesn’t do that, let him know you’ll be in touch with the dental board. That should sober him up and help him see how reasonable you are being.
Tooth Replacement Options
At this point, I do not have confidence that your dentist has given you all the correct information here. As such, you should know that it will be important you replace your missing tooth as soon as possible. With an open space in your jaw, your adjacent teeth will eventually start to shift or tip into the open space. When this happens it can lead to painful TMJ Disorder and expensive orthodontics. Replacing the tooth now will save all of that.
Your top two tooth replacement options are a dental implant (that best option) or a dental bridge (the second-best option). Though, there are times that second-best is a good idea if you already have a tooth adjacent to the missing tooth needs a dental crown already.
If you decide on the dental implant, please make sure your dentist has the training to do this properly. Too many dentists do not, which is one of the reasons implant procedures are one of the leading causes of malpractice suits.
This blog is brought to you by Sugar Land Dentist Dr. Siny Thomas.