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Antrum perforation

Q: Aftercare

Rest & care:Leave the wound alone for the first day, do not rinse, gently brush around it. Avoid smoking and alcohol and be careful with food and drink around the wound.Pain & anaesthesia:After the anaesthetic wears off (several hours), avoid hot drinks and biting on anaesthetised parts. After-pain can be controlled with painkillers; always read the package leaflet.Swelling:Swelling is usually greatest around the third day after treatment and decreases thereafter. Cooling with a cold pack or ice can provide relief; avoid sunlight/heat.Post-operative bleeding:In the first few hours, the wound may bleed a little, causing red-coloured saliva. This is normal.In case of bright red blood:Use a gauze plug or cloth, bite down on this for 30 minutes. In the days after the procedure, blood may also enter the throat through the nasal cavities.

What is an antrum perforation?

An antrum perforation is a connection between the oral cavity and the nasal sinuses (maxillary sinuses/sinus maxillaris). Normally, no passage exists between these spaces. Pulling a molar in the upper jaw can sometimes create an opening, especially if the root of the pulled molar is close to or in the maxillary sinuses.

Treatment & recovery

Check

After the removal of a large molar in the upper jaw, the surgeon will test for antrum perforation.

Closure

The surgeon will then immediately close the opening by suturing the surrounding gums over the opening, the immediate closure is important otherwise the maxillary sinus may become inflamed.

Precaution

For a fortnight, do not put any pressure on your nose: do not blow your nose or press it or blow bulging cheeks as this can stress the wound and interfere with recovery.

Recovery

After about a week, the wound is usually firm enough that further complications are less likely.

Closure on subsequent discovery.

If the maxillary sinus is inflamed or the opening is not recognised until later, the inflammation must first be brought under control. The maxillary sinus is flushed and sometimes medication (such as antibiotics) is also prescribed.

Once the inflammation calms down, the wound is still closed as a second operation.

Other information

Aftercare

Rest & care:
Leave the wound alone for the first day, do not rinse, gently brush around it. Avoid smoking and alcohol and be careful with food and drink around the wound.

Pain & anaesthesia:
After the anaesthetic wears off (several hours), avoid hot drinks and biting on anaesthetised parts. You can treat any pain with painkillers; always read the patient information leaflet.

Swelling:
Swelling is usually greatest around the third day after treatment and decreases thereafter. Cooling with a coldpack or ice can provide relief; avoid sunlight/heat.

Haemorrhage:
In the first few hours, the wound may bleed a little, leaving you with red-coloured saliva. This is normal.

In case of bright red blood:
Use a gauze plug or cloth, bite down on this for 30 minutes. In the days following the procedure, blood may also enter the throat through the nasal cavities.

Download brochure

The brochure offers additional information about this treatment. Please note that it includes medical images that some people may find sensitive.

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