Surgical Instructions

765 High Street
Bath Maine 04530

207.443.3220

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:

  1. Do not blow your nose. This will blow mucous through the wound and impair healing. Sniffing is ok.
  2. 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 you mouth open and let it out!
  3. Do not smoke. The heat and smoke from smoking can impair healing as well.
  4. Do not drink through a straw. The pressure created by sucking liquid up through a straw can also damage wounds that are healing.
  5. Observe a soft diet and avoid the injured area while chewing.
  6. If there is unusual bleeding, drainage or sinus pain, contact Dr. Sarka.

There are several treatments for Oral Antral Communications and Dr. Sarka will decide which is best for each individual case. Usually, following these simple instructions is all that is required, but occasionally, Dr. Sarka may pack or suture the wound closed. Dr. Sarka 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.