Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you recently had an upper tooth removed and something feels off, like air pressure moving through the site or liquid going into your nose, it may be a sign of sinus perforation.
Legacy Surgery offers dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
What Are the Symptoms of Sinus Perforation After Tooth Extraction?
The most common symptoms of sinus perforation after tooth extraction involve communication between the mouth and sinus.
You may notice:
- Air passing through the extraction site when you breathe or speak
- Liquid from your mouth entering your nose when drinking
- A whistling sound from the extraction site
- Sinus pressure or fullness on one side
- Nasal congestion that starts after the extraction
- A bad taste in the mouth that does not go away
- Mild bleeding or nasal discharge from the same side of the nasal cavity
These symptoms can appear immediately after the procedure or within the first few days. Small perforations may close on their own, while larger openings may require surgical closure.
How Common Is a Sinus Perforation After Tooth Extraction?
A sinus perforation is not common, but it is a known risk when removing upper molars and premolars.
The risk depends on:
- How close the tooth roots are to the sinus
- Bone thickness between the tooth and sinus
- Infection or bone loss around the tooth
- Difficulty of the extraction
In routine cases, the risk is low. It becomes more likely in complex extractions or when the roots extend into the sinus space.
What Is Normal vs Not Normal After Extraction
Mild pressure or congestion after an upper tooth extraction can be normal. However, the following are not normal and should be evaluated:
- Fluid consistently passing from mouth to nose
- Air movement through the empty tooth socket
- Ongoing sinus symptoms that worsen instead of improving
- Persistent bad taste or drainage
If you notice symptoms that suggest a sinus opening, or if your symptoms are getting worse instead of better, consult with your oral surgeon or dental provider.
How Sinus Perforations Are Managed at Legacy Surgery
Careful planning helps reduce the risk of sinus perforation during procedures involving the upper jaw, such as wisdom teeth removal and difficult tooth extractions. Digital imaging is used to evaluate how close the tooth roots are to the sinus and to identify cases that may require a more controlled surgical approach.
If a sinus perforation occurs, the team evaluates the size of the opening and your symptoms to determine the appropriate treatment. Small openings may be monitored with protective instructions and medication, while larger perforations may require surgical closure or bone grafting to support proper healing.
Oral Surgeon in Staunton,VA
If you had a tooth extracted at Legacy Surgery and are experiencing post-operative complications, call the location where your surgery performed to book a follow-up visit.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110-C Mactanly Pl., Staunton, VA 24401.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Ln, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
FAQs
Can a sinus perforation heal on its own?
Small openings can heal without treatment, but larger ones often require intervention to close properly.
Is sinus perforation painful?
It may cause pressure or discomfort, but it is not always painful. Symptoms are often more noticeable than pain.
What should I avoid if I have a sinus perforation?
Avoid blowing your nose, using straws, or creating pressure in your mouth, as this can worsen the opening.