Why this concerns upper teeth
The roots of upper back teeth can lie close to the maxillary sinus. Removing them can sometimes create an opening between the sinus and the mouth. Before the procedure, the dentist assesses the risk using an examination and any necessary investigations.
A blocked-nose sensation after extraction does not always mean this complication has occurred. Equally, looking at the blood clot in a mirror cannot rule it out. Concerning symptoms need an assessment, rather than a comparison of the wound with photographs online.
What to report after a tooth is removed
Explain whether fluid passes from your mouth into your nose, whether you feel air at the wound and whether symptoms are on one side. Also report a wound that is not healing, recurring sinus symptoms, fever or increasing pain.
Contact the practice as soon as possible, preferably on the same day that you notice characteristic symptoms. If the practice is closed, seek urgent dental care. Rapidly increasing swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency help: call 112 in Poland.
Do not perform a pressure test at home
Do not pinch your nose and blow to see whether air passes through the wound. Do not put objects into it or try to close it yourself. These actions may disrupt healing.
Until you receive advice, do not blow your nose or sneeze with your nostrils pinched shut. After diagnosis, the clinician will explain the precise restrictions and how long to follow them. Do not adopt another person's treatment timetable, even if they had the same tooth removed.
What to ask when the wound is assessed
Management depends on the condition of the wound and sinus. Monitoring according to instructions or surgical closure may be appropriate; the choice is not based solely on how much pain you feel. An absence of severe symptoms does not establish whether treatment is needed.
| What to establish | Example question |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Has an opening been confirmed, and does the sinus need further assessment? |
| Management | What is the next step, and when should it take place? |
| Protecting the wound | How long do restrictions on nose blowing, eating and physical exertion apply? |
| Follow-up | When will healing be checked, and which symptoms need earlier contact? |
Medicines, travel and returning to everyday activities
Do not use leftover antibiotics or nasal medicines without discussing this with a clinician. If medicines are prescribed, provide a list of your health conditions and other medicines, and ask for clear instructions on how to use them.
Mention any planned flight, diving or playing of a wind instrument. Ask specifically when you can return to these activities and whether a check-up is needed before travelling. The extraction date alone does not establish that the wound has healed.
Preparing to contact a practice in Białystok
Write down the extraction date, the number or position of the tooth removed and any medicines taken. If the procedure was performed elsewhere, prepare the instructions and records available to you. During the conversation, explain that you suspect fluid or air is passing between your mouth and nose.
Arrange a way to obtain an urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine preventive appointment. This article does not replace an examination or your surgeon's individual healing instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Does every upper wisdom tooth extraction open the sinus?
No. The risk depends on factors including anatomy. After the procedure, the dentist gives instructions appropriate to the findings.
Can I check for an opening by blowing?
Do not perform this test yourself. Contact the practice and describe your symptoms.
Does an absence of pain rule out a problem?
No. Fluid passing into the nose or air moving at the wound should be reported even without severe pain.
Does every opening require surgery?
Not every opening needs the same management. A clinician decides after assessment; do not choose to wait without seeking advice.
Sources
An informational article. It does not replace a consultation, and treatment decisions are made during a visit.
