Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Retractors Cause Facial Swelling And Mouth Sores?
Question: Hi- I recently had some orthodontic work done and for the penultimate visit I was x-rayed using metal retractors. My mucous membrane was stretched as far as possible and I had to hold the position for several minutes more than once. 4 days later my entire face was swollen and bruised and I had 4 infected sores from where the retractors were. The orthodontic tech who worked on me was 3 days into a Z Pac. Was I likely infected by the tech or would the Z Pac prevented her from contamination? I didn't go to the doctor for a differential diagnosis.
Brief Answer:
Not likely transmitted infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is understandable to be concerned however z pack (azithromycin) is used to treat a number of different infections, some of which are not so readily contagious.
Of the infections it treats, sinusitis may be associated with a runny nose and the bacteria may be transmitted in that way.
Pneumonia or bronchitis can be transmitted by a cough, so if she was coughing around you or there were nasal secretions, then she may have transmitted infection but these would present like a cough or nasal symptoms (blocked or runny nose) not infections of the mucous membranes.
If she had transmitted the infection to you, you would have presented with whatever infection she had. Certain bacteria tend to affect certain areas.
It also treats ear infections, bacterial sore throat, COPD infections.
It is likely that the swelling and sores are related to the trauma from the retractors in your mouth.
Trauma causes bruising, swelling as part of its inflammatory response.
Sores can result because of direct trauma, as they heal there may be a yellowish coating as part of the immune response. Your home treatment worked to manage these.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Not likely transmitted infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is understandable to be concerned however z pack (azithromycin) is used to treat a number of different infections, some of which are not so readily contagious.
Of the infections it treats, sinusitis may be associated with a runny nose and the bacteria may be transmitted in that way.
Pneumonia or bronchitis can be transmitted by a cough, so if she was coughing around you or there were nasal secretions, then she may have transmitted infection but these would present like a cough or nasal symptoms (blocked or runny nose) not infections of the mucous membranes.
If she had transmitted the infection to you, you would have presented with whatever infection she had. Certain bacteria tend to affect certain areas.
It also treats ear infections, bacterial sore throat, COPD infections.
It is likely that the swelling and sores are related to the trauma from the retractors in your mouth.
Trauma causes bruising, swelling as part of its inflammatory response.
Sores can result because of direct trauma, as they heal there may be a yellowish coating as part of the immune response. Your home treatment worked to manage these.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
