Yellow Discharge After Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Sinus Connection

After the extraction of the wisdom tooth, there is a communication with the oral cavity, and a yellowish fluid containing collagen is present?

Last week (August 9), I had my upper wisdom teeth extracted.
The doctor mentioned that it might be close to the sinus cavity and recommended using collagen to suture and reduce the oroantral communication, which I followed.
I was also prescribed antibiotics (amoxicillin) and pain relievers.
The next morning, I indeed experienced oroantral communication, as I felt fluid flowing from my nostrils when rinsing my mouth.
This situation persisted for a few days, but generally, if I drank water slowly and avoided bending over, it was manageable.
However, I started noticing yellow fluid draining from the extraction site.
This week (August 16), I was supposed to have the stitches removed, but since the original doctor was unavailable, I saw another doctor who provided a syringe for self-irrigation and suggested waiting until next week for the stitch removal (when the original doctor returns).
He also prescribed the same antibiotics and pain relievers.
I completed both courses of antibiotics, which were for three days each, but I still have yellow fluid draining from the extraction site, though fortunately, there is no pain.
I would like to ask if the yellow fluid is related to the collagen (it has some odor but is not foul), or if the collagen itself is odorless and does not cause these secretions? Lastly, how long does it typically take for oroantral communication to heal before one feels a sense of closure?

Gary, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/20

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello, it typically takes at least one month for the epithelium to fully regenerate.
However, I am still concerned that the yellow fluid may indicate a bacterial infection, so I strongly recommend continuing follow-up visits for monitoring!

Reply Date: 2022/08/20

More Info

After having your wisdom tooth extracted, it’s understandable to have concerns about the yellow discharge and the potential connection to your sinus cavity. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a communication between your oral cavity and your sinus cavity, which can occur when the roots of the upper wisdom teeth are close to the maxillary sinus. This is a known complication and can lead to the symptoms you are experiencing.

The yellow discharge you are noticing could be due to several factors. First, it’s important to consider that after a surgical procedure, the body produces various fluids as part of the healing process. This can include blood, saliva, and other secretions that may appear yellowish due to the presence of white blood cells and other components involved in the healing and potential inflammatory response. The fact that the discharge has some odor but is not foul-smelling is also noteworthy; it suggests that while there may be some inflammation, it may not necessarily indicate a severe infection.

Regarding the collagen plug that was placed to help close the communication, collagen itself typically does not produce any discharge or odor. Its primary role is to promote healing by providing a scaffold for new tissue to grow. However, if the area is not healing properly or if there is an infection, this could lead to the discharge you are experiencing. It’s crucial to monitor the situation closely. If the yellow discharge persists or worsens, or if you develop any additional symptoms such as increased pain, swelling, or fever, you should seek further evaluation from your dentist or oral surgeon.

As for the healing process, the closure of an oroantral communication (the connection between the oral cavity and the sinus) can take several weeks to months, depending on various factors including the size of the communication, the individual’s healing capacity, and whether any complications arise. Generally, initial healing of the soft tissue can occur within a few weeks, but complete closure and healing of the underlying sinus membrane may take longer. You might start to feel a sense of closure within a few weeks, but it’s essential to have follow-up appointments to ensure that the healing is progressing as expected.

In summary, while the yellow discharge could be a normal part of the healing process, it is essential to remain vigilant and communicate with your healthcare provider about any concerns. Regular follow-ups will help ensure that any potential complications are addressed promptly, and your healing process is monitored effectively. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for further advice.

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