I had oral surgery to pull out a molar.After he pulled it he mentioned the roots left an opening to my sinus cavity and that had to be fixed,so he did and stitched me up. Went in for my check up and he trimmed off some excess gum tissue that had died off.Question is its a few days later and I have a big FLAP of gum tissue dangling down with what looks like loose stitching or it could be dissolving I don’t know but there is also an exposed hole. I’m wondering if this flap of dead skin that I assume was covering up this now exposed hole was supposed to come loose. And am I in any danger now that this has happened? Thanks Doc.

ANSWER:

This is a common complication of upper molar extraction. It sounds like the flap has opened up. This does not necessarily mean you will have problems. The area will heal eventually, however if you have communication between your mouth and sinus, that needs to be repaired. Ways you can determine this are if you drink something and you feel liquid in your sinus or nose it is still open or if you pinch your nose and try to exhale through it and get air coming into your mouth it is still open and you need additional treatment to re-close the area. If not you could develop a sinus infection or get food impacted into your sinus.  I suggest you contact your Dentist or oral surgeon ASAP to have the area evaluated. If you need the name of someone new in your area let me know and I will get a referral for you.

Hope you feel better and that this information helps,

Nick DeTure
ASKADENTIST.com

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