Recent W-tooth extraction and diving.

[Mike Bialecki]

This message is targeted to the dentists in the house.

In June of this year I had both of my left wisdom teeth removed after suffering from severe headaches for a month. Both of the teeth were already 'in'. One was able to be literally pulled out, while the other needed a bit of drilling first.

Here's my concern. After getting the trouble tooth out, the dentist seemed to be concerned that a sinus cavity had been damaged. He asked me to squeeze my nose and blow and then asked me if the air was leaking. I tried a few times and everything seemed fine. So my questions are:

1) Is this squeeze test a regular practice when having wisdom teeth removed?

2) If the sinus cavity under this tooth (now a vacant hole) did get damaged and I didn't notice it, what can I expect to feel when I go diving in mid-August (2 months after the extraction)?

Thanks.

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

The Sqeeze Test.

Hi Mike,

Yes, the test is a precaution following an extraction of a tooth near the sinus.

A negative test at the time of extraction is NOT a guarantee that you can't rupture this area later.
The bone overlying the sinus may be as thin as tissue or only the sinus membrane was left.

You have to be very careful about blowing your nose and sneezing for a few days. Any change in the sound of your voice or air coming out of your nose during speech should be reported immediately. No drinking through a straw either.

Water, milk, soft drinks, etc., draining out your nose while drinking ISN'T NORMAL!:wacko: Ugh!

A perforated sinus into the mouth is called an oral-antral fistula. Most will close spontaneously but a few can persist and cause problems. They have to be closed by the surgeon and you will have to be on antibiotics and decongestants if it occurs.

Often, we put a collagen plug or "GelFoam" into the socket to help form a firm clot. It is the clot that will seal the socket and lead to the closure of the bone and soft tissue. Don't disturb the clot.

If you are problem free for three weeks, you should be ok on your dive.

Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:

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