Posted by writeradmin
I really hate going to the dentist and nothing about my latest appointment has changed my mind. I had a tooth extraction because it was badly infected. Apparently, when he extracted the tooth he perforated my sinus cavity. A few days after the extraction, my cheek swelled up and there was a lot of discharge coming out of both my nose and the tooth socket. I was put on Augmentin which did take care of the cheek swelling, but after that I was still in pain and there was still drainage. I went back in and had a CT scan. That showed that my sinus cavity was infected so he gave me a z-pack. I finished with that and still have some mild drainage and some pain with pressure. Do I need to see a different dentist?
Sandra
Dear Sandra,
I’m glad you wrote. It does not sound like you need another dentist, but you do need another round of antibiotics. The augmentin was not for the sinus infection, but the facial swelling. Generally, a sinus perforation does not cause an infection so your tooth infection must have already spread to that area. That must have been some infection you had. It is important that antibiotics are continued until the infection is completely resolved.
You mentioned that you have never been a fan of going to the dentist. You are not alone in that feeling. I’m guessing that dread of the dentist is what allowed your tooth infection to spread so much. Because of that, I wanted to make you aware of sedation dentistry. This has given patients with dental anxiety a completely new lease on life.
If you see a sedation dentist, they can offer you a pill that will completely relax you and give you an anxiety-free/pain-free dental experience. Most sedation dentists offer two levels of sedation: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Both have their pros and cons, which you can learn about on the link just above. I truly believe if you try it dental sedation at the level you need it will change your life. You will quickly be able to get your oral health back in shape AND keep it there without dreading the dentist.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. John Theriot.