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How Long Does Recovery Take After Tooth Extraction?
Question: Hi doctor,
I got my upper left wisdom tooth pulled out 3 days ago, and now I'm left with a hole in what used to be my tooth, the hole has direct access to my sinus, I can feel the air comming out of it and liquids can go inside when I drink if I'm not super careful, the oral surgeon who performed the extraction said it's normal and to let it heal, but it concerns me as it has been 3 days now and It's not getting any better, and I can't seem to let it heal without disturbance because no matter how hard I try I always end up pushing air through it or pulling it out of it, I'd like to get a second opinion on the matter, is it a common occurrence ? is it normal to leave it open and let it heal on it's own ? how long would it approximately take to heal ? does the fact that I'm sucking air through it (unintentionally) make it difficult to heal ? Is there something I can do to make it faster ? I don't want to go through another surgery, so I'd rather act on it while it's still relatively new.
Thanks
I got my upper left wisdom tooth pulled out 3 days ago, and now I'm left with a hole in what used to be my tooth, the hole has direct access to my sinus, I can feel the air comming out of it and liquids can go inside when I drink if I'm not super careful, the oral surgeon who performed the extraction said it's normal and to let it heal, but it concerns me as it has been 3 days now and It's not getting any better, and I can't seem to let it heal without disturbance because no matter how hard I try I always end up pushing air through it or pulling it out of it, I'd like to get a second opinion on the matter, is it a common occurrence ? is it normal to leave it open and let it heal on it's own ? how long would it approximately take to heal ? does the fact that I'm sucking air through it (unintentionally) make it difficult to heal ? Is there something I can do to make it faster ? I don't want to go through another surgery, so I'd rather act on it while it's still relatively new.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Oro-Antral fistula (OAF).
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus is known as an Oro-Antral Fistula (OAF). It is often seen after the extraction of upper molar teeth.
2. The best way to ascertain if this Oro-Antral Fistula will close on its own or not is by getting an OPG (OrthoPantomoGram), a plain CT Scan or a CBCT (Cone Beam CT) Scan. If the bony gap is small that is less than 1-2 mm, it will close by itself within 4 to 6 weeks.
3. Medium sized openings up to 5-6 mm may also close on their own but will require medication to prevent sinus and bone infection (osteitis), not blowing or sucking air or fluids through it, sneezing with the mouth open, drinking liquids with a straw and taking care of oral hygiene.
4. Larger openings are best packed with material such as fat and tissue glue or covered with local mucosal flaps stitched into place.
5. Please Upload an imaging report for discussing further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Oro-Antral fistula (OAF).
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus is known as an Oro-Antral Fistula (OAF). It is often seen after the extraction of upper molar teeth.
2. The best way to ascertain if this Oro-Antral Fistula will close on its own or not is by getting an OPG (OrthoPantomoGram), a plain CT Scan or a CBCT (Cone Beam CT) Scan. If the bony gap is small that is less than 1-2 mm, it will close by itself within 4 to 6 weeks.
3. Medium sized openings up to 5-6 mm may also close on their own but will require medication to prevent sinus and bone infection (osteitis), not blowing or sucking air or fluids through it, sneezing with the mouth open, drinking liquids with a straw and taking care of oral hygiene.
4. Larger openings are best packed with material such as fat and tissue glue or covered with local mucosal flaps stitched into place.
5. Please Upload an imaging report for discussing further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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