SINUS CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY

The "maxillary sinus" is a normal, large, hollow cavity located above the upper teeth, next to your nose. An opening into the maxillary sinus cavity can occur after the extraction of a tooth in the upper jaw.  This opening is called an "oro-antral communication”.  If this opening persists and does not heal, is it called an “oro-antral fistula".  If this opening occurs during surgery, you will be informed.  To ensure healing of this opening, air pressures in the nasal passages must be avoided.  It is very important for you to follow the instructions outlined below to encourage closure of the opening.  During the healing process, you may have a nose bleed.  If so, tilt your head back, place ice packs on the bridge of the nose for 15 minute intervals. It is also quite common to experience a small amount of fluid or blood passing from the nose into the mouth, and from the mouth into the nose.  It may take at least six to twelve months for the communication between the mouth and sinus cavity to heal.  In very rare cases, additional surgery may be required to close a persistent oro-antral fistula.