Surgery puts smile on Peter's face after 10 years of gum problems

It was a visit to his dentist that finally led to Peter Rains being treated for sinus problems that had dogged him for over 10 years.

Months after removing a tooth from Peter’s upper gum dentist Dr Michail Vavalekas was unable to fit an implant because the gum still hadn’t healed.

Realising that it was more than a dental problem Dr Vavalekas said it would need examining by an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and referred 61-year-old Peter to his GP who then referred him to Consultant Surgeon Mr Abir Bhattacharyya at Spire Roding Hospital in Redbridge.

Dad-of-three Peter, a retired actuary, who lives in South Woodford with wife Theresa, explained: “I had an operation on my sinuses about ten years ago but, to be honest, the problem never really went away.

“The operation did help but I continued to have nasal discharge on the right side which got much worse when I had a cold. I also suffered from infections in my gums on the right side of my mouth.

“I was told that that pus was entering my gums from the sinus and that the infection had actually reduced the thickness of the bone above the teeth, making it very difficult to fit an implant.”

Following a CT Scan Mr Bhattacharyya said that Peter was suffering chronic sinusitis – his right-hand sinus was simply not working properly and mucus that should have been drained away had become solid and created a blockage.

Mr Bhattacharyya explained to Peter that with such a severe degree of blockage, antibiotics usually are ineffective and endoscopic surgical procedures are required to clear the blocked sinuses.

The procedure would involve draining the sinus, clearing the infected sinus lining and he would widen the opening between the sinus and the nose so it does not get blocked in future.

Peter had a deviated nasal septum (partition) and this would prevent easy access to the sinus opening. Mr Bhattacharyya explained that the septum would need to be straightened prior to his endoscopic sinus clearance procedure.

He said: “The procedure took about an hour-and- a-half and the only dressing used in the nose was a self- dissolving gel, so Peter was able to leave on the same day. I’m pleased to say he noticed improvements afterwards and his progress has been very impressive.”

As for Peter, he said: “My sinus has been completely clear since the operation, there has been no discharge and my breathing is much better through my right nostril. 

“It is a great relief not to have an unpleasant discharge form my nose after 10 years of suffering from it.”

As for the tooth implant, he is hoping that it will be carried out in the next month or so as the bone in the gum continues to recover.