An Opening Between the Mouth and Sinus After an Upper-Tooth Extraction

If your surgical team mentions a connection to the sinus after removing an upper tooth, ask them to write down the term and explain what they found. Keep their care instructions with the procedure details so you can check them when you get home.

Changes to report

Signs described in Leicester’s leaflet include an extraction site that does not heal, fluid or food passing into the nose, air moving across the extraction area and one-sided sinus symptoms. An untreated opening can develop into a fistula and lead to sinus infection.¹

Contact the treating dental or surgical team about these changes. Describe which tooth was removed, the procedure date and what you have noticed. Ask how soon you should be examined. Avoid trying to reproduce the problem as a test at home.

What the closure plan means

A small opening may close naturally; a larger one may need surgery. Repair can involve moving nearby gum tissue over the opening and stitching it in place. Some repairs need a general anesthetic.¹

Ask: “Are you recommending observation or repair in my case, and how will you check whether it has closed?” If repair is proposed, request an explanation of the operation, anesthesia arrangement and follow-up. Ask what happens if the first plan needs to change.

Get the sinus precautions in writing

Leicester advises avoiding nose blowing, pinching the nostrils during sneezing and using a straw because pressure can disrupt healing. Its leaflet also gives restrictions on flying, diving, wind instruments and certain foods. Get the plan and duration for your own repair.¹

Mention any booked flight, diving trip or activity involving blowing before you leave. Ask the team to put dates beside the restrictions and explain what to do if you accidentally break an instruction.

Confirm your food, cleaning and medicine instructions. Have the team explain any prescription and whom to contact about side effects or uncertainty.

Arrange the review and contact route

Write down the next appointment, the daytime number and the out-of-hours advice. Ask which symptoms require urgent contact and who will review the healing. If your clinic sheet and spoken instructions differ, request clarification.

Is It My Breath? includes a visit script. Use it to organize the questions you want answered about your care and keep the surgeon’s instructions alongside the answers.