How is an oral-nasal fissure repaired?

Question

My dentist says I have a very small oral-nasal fissure that has to be fixed. Does anyone know how its done (without scaring the wits out of me!)?

I don't like my mouth being fiddled with after a nasty extraction last year, does it HAVE to be mended?

It was due to an extraction, earlier this year. I keep getting swelling and pus at the extraction site and I've had several lots of antibiotics. It has just become obvious it is a tiny hole.

Is the repair done under anaesthetic ? I don't think I could cope with a local, like at the dentist's.

Answer 1

OPERATION

Answer 2

Hello,

(ANS) To have an oral-nasal fissure repaired does require surgery, this is normally done by referral by your GP or dentist. You would be referred to a consultant maxilo-facial surgeon i.e. a surgeon who specializes in nothing but faces, jaws & noses.

**Apart from what the fissure looks like such a fissure can cause other problems later on in life. So its generally accepted thinking that if its operable, then its best to try and close up the fissure.

**I think surgery of this kind is whats known as "Elective surgery" its booked in advance and you will be given a date for the surgery to be done. I cannot tell you if this is done as a day case (i.e. go home the same day afterwards) or if it requires a hospital stay over? not sure exactly.

**How long the surgery takes I cannot tell you as each person is different but the specialist would be able to tell you better than me.

Hope that is useful?

Ivan

Answer 3

First thing to do is to clean the area, by injecting high pressure water from the fissure to the nasal cavity, to remove any infected tissue or contaminants, then a small part of your gum is pulled and suture to close the small communication between your nasal cavity and your mouth.
This fissure is very a common accident when removing and upper molar

Answer 4

Was this due to an extraction? If there is a persistent communication between your mouth and sinus there is almost certainly infection there. Yes, the treatment is surgical, but it's usually outpatient surgery at an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or perhaps and ear nose and throat surgeon.
Chronic infection can lead to periodic painful flareups, sinus polyps, etc. It should be taken care of.
If this is a congenital condition it's a completely different story, but I imagine if you had a small cleft palate you'd know about it.

Steve Bornfeld, DDS

Answer 5

1

Answer 6

THE ORAL SURGEON DOES SURGERY TO REPAIR THE GAP. THERE SHOULD BE NO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN YOUR ORAL CAVITY AND YOUR NASAL CAVITY.