HomeAnswersInternal Medicineoro-antral communicationIs a new surgery needed to close my unhealed oro-antral fistula?

What is the treatment for an unhealed oro-antral communication after a closure surgery?

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Published At March 4, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 4, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had an oroantral communication closure surgery on both sides of my mouth, along with an enclosed wisdom tooth removal a few weeks back. The right side had been open for quite some time, so it was bigger, but the left was much more recent and small. However, now I notice that while the right side seems to be closed, the left is still slightly open. Will it require a new surgery, or is there any non-intrusive way to treat it since it is small?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

In general, if a wound is still healing and becomes infected or reopens, it may require additional treatment to promote proper healing. However, since the left side is much smaller than the right side, it is possible that it will heal on its own with proper care.

Here are some things you can do to promote healing and prevent further complications:

1. Keep the area clean: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day to help keep the area clean and prevent infection.

2. Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after the surgery.

3. Eat soft foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for at least two weeks after the surgery to avoid putting pressure on the healing area.

4. Use pain medication as prescribed: If you are experiencing pain, take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. This can help manage discomfort and promote healing.

5. Attend follow-up appointments: Make sure to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon to monitor the healing process and address any concerns that arise.

If the left side continues to cause problems or does not seem to be healing properly, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend additional treatment, such as a minor surgical procedure to close the wound or medication to promote healing. However, it is best to wait and see how the wound progresses before making any decisions about further treatment.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Andrews
Dr. Vandana Andrews

General Practitioner

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