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You walk into the dentist’s office hoping to resolve your oral health or tooth issues. You don’t expect to walk out with a sinus infection. Most patients won’t think twice about developing a sinus infection following dental surgery. It just seems like unfortunate timing or a coincidence. However, developing a sinus infection following dental surgery can indicate other issues.
Understanding why sinus infections occur following dental procedures and what you can do to relieve your symptoms can help ease your discomfort and alert you to whether you need to consult with an experienced dental malpractice attorney in New York.
What Is a Sinus Infection?
The sinuses are four hollow cavities near the eyes, nose, and forehead, with narrow passages connecting the cavities. Sinuses produce mucus, which drains from the passages in the nose, keeping the airway clean and preventing bacteria and allergens from building up. A sinus infection occurs when the tissues in the sinuses get inflamed, causing pain and swelling. Mucus and fluids build up within these structures, blocking airflow.
Bacteria or viruses cause sinus infections and can lead to pain, pressure, nasal congestion, and other bothersome symptoms like cough, fever, headache, ear pressure, and fatigue.
How Do Dental Procedures Cause Sinus Infections?
Tooth extractions are among the most common dental procedures that can lead to sinus infections, especially for maxillary molar extractions, which are the teeth in the upper back of the jaw. A maxillary molar extraction can be challenging and may involve significant pulling or rocking of the tooth to free it from the socket. However, significant rocking and pulling can puncture or perforate the area that separates the socket from the sinuses.
Sinus infections can happen when that opening occurs between the mouth and the sinus cavity. The shared bone between the tooth socket in this area and the sinus cavity is thin and fragile. When perforation occurs during surgery and is not closed, bacteria from the mouth or a cavity can spread and lead to an infection in the sinuses. The risk of infection is elevated when the cause of the tooth extraction is severe dental decay since bacteria is responsible for causing tooth decay and cavities.
Signs of Sinus Infection After Dental Surgery
Chances are, if you’ve recently had a dental extraction or other surgical procedure, you already feel pain, pressure, and some discomfort in your face. Determining whether your symptoms are related to the dental work or a sinus infection can be challenging. Some of the tell-tale signs that you are suffering a sinus infection and not discomfort related to a dental procedure can include:
- Congestion or stuffy nose
- Yellow or discolored drainage from the nose
- Pressure or pain in the cheeks or forehead
- An unpleasant odor in the nose
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Chronic, recurring sinus infections
Sinus issues can also trigger dental pain and vice versa, making it hard to pinpoint whether your symptoms are related to the procedure or a bacterial sinus infection. If you experience any of the above symptoms, check with your doctor, who can evaluate your symptoms.
Sinus Infection Remedies
Your doctor can help you manage the pain, discomfort, and trouble breathing you may experience from a sinus infection. Some of the remedies that may provide relief from your symptoms can include:
- Over-the-counter pain or sinus medication
- Nasal sprays (over-the-counter or prescription steroid sprays)
- Antibiotics
- Humidifier or inhaling steam
- A warm compress over the face
- Irrigating the nose and sinuses with a saline solution
Drinking plenty of fluids, getting rest, and taking it easy can help your body fight the infection and heal.
When Should You Contact a Dental Malpractice Attorney in New York?
A sinus infection following dental surgery is not always an indication of malpractice. However, when the infection occurs because a dental professional provided a substandard level of care, failed to follow proper procedures, or neglected to address complications during surgery, you must discuss your situation with a skilled medical malpractice lawyer.
Lance Ehrenberg, Esq. works with injured patients, helping them hold careless doctors accountable and pursuing compensation for their injuries. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation if you suspect malpractice caused your sinus infection or other complications.