What is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum displaces the nasal septum, the cartilage dividing the nose into left and right chambers. When this septum shifts away from the midline, it causes congestion and breathing difficulty in the smaller chamber. Meanwhile, the larger chamber can suffer from drying, leading to crusting or bleeding.

Common Causes of Deviated Septum

Most people have deviated septums that cause no to minor symptoms. However, there are causes of deviated septums that can cause significant symptoms:

1. Congenital Factors: Some deviated septums are present from birth and may result from genetic factors.
2. Nose Injuries: Trauma or injury to the nose can displace the nasal septum, causing deviation.
3. Aging: As individuals age, the nasal septum can naturally grow asymmetrically, leading to a deviated septum that may worsen over time.

Recognizing Deviated Septum Symptoms

A deviated septum can have severe symptoms affecting a person’s everyday life.

• Nasal Drying and Nosebleeds: A widened nasal chamber due to the deviation can cause nasal drying, leading to nosebleeds.
• Nasal Congestion: The narrower nasal passage resulting from a deviated septum can cause:
  • Recurring sinus infections or sinusitis
  • Sinus pressure
  • Headaches
  • Facial pain
  • Noisy breathing
  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea or breathing difficulties during sleep
  • Difficulty breathing, potentially leading to chronic mouth breathing
• Consult a Doctor if Symptoms Persist: 
  • Chronic nasal congestion
  • Recurrent sinus infections
  • Frequent nosebleeds

Diagnosing a Deviated Septum

To diagnose if a person has a deviated septum, your healthcare provider will do the following procedures:

1. Medical History Documentation: Your healthcare provider will inquire about your medical history, specifically any prior nose injuries and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
2. Physical Examination: They’ll conduct a detailed examination of the outside and inside of your nose using a bright light and a nasal speculum to widen the nostrils for a closer look.
3. Nasal Endoscopy: In some cases, a nasal endoscopy may be conducted. This procedure involves:
   • Applying a decongestant spray with lidocaine to numb the nasal cavity.
   • Using a tube scope equipped with a light and camera to inspect the nasal passages, with the visuals displayed on a monitor.
   • Afterward, a decongestant spray is applied again for comfort.
4. CT Scan: A CT scan may be recommended to assess the severity of the deviated septum and related symptoms through detailed imaging.

How Sinus Surgery Can Help Correct a Deviated Septum

When medical therapy does not alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing, surgery to correct the deviated septum can be recommended.

Septoplasty involves repositioning and aligning the nasal septum to the center of the nose and improving nasal airflow. Sometimes, a surgeon may recommend sinus surgery to minimize sinus infections or rhinoplasty to reshape the nose.

Post-Operative Care Following Nasal Surgery: Essential Steps for Recovery

After nasal surgery, here’s what you should keep in mind for post-operative care:

• Immediate Post-Surgery: The anesthesia effects will wear off after about 24 hours. During this time, avoid driving, drinking alcohol, or making important decisions.
• Cleaning and Hygiene: For the First 24 hours, avoiding showering or bathing is best. Instead, your healthcare provider will demonstrate how to clean the nose area using Q-tips and a specific cleaning solution.
• Managing Pain and Swelling: Post-surgery, you might experience pain, bruising, and swelling in your face and nose. Ensure you’ve filled out any prescribed pain medication. Ice packs (covered to prevent moisture) can help reduce pain and swelling. Sleeping with your head elevated on two pillows can also aid in minimizing swelling.
• Rest and Avoidance of Pressure: Rest is crucial for the first 24 hours after surgery. Avoid putting pressure on your nose, so avoid touching or blowing it. Activities that strain your face, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided for two weeks. Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, returning to work might be feasible after a week.
• Removal of Packing and Splints: Typically, nasal packing is removed 24-36 hours after surgery, while splints come off after 1-2 weeks.

If you experience worsening symptoms, please call your doctor:

• Heavy nosebleeds
• Worsening pain
• Difficulty breathing
• High fever
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness

Prognosis

Regarding the prognosis after surgery, some people’s septum will deviate due to age or preexisting conditions. When that happens, another septoplasty is performed by their healthcare providers.

Most people who underwent septoplasty report relief of their symptoms. With better nasal health comes a better quality of life. People experience breathing improvement and sleep quality. Sinus surgery also alleviates chronic sinusitis, positively impacting people’s daily activities and well-being.

To learn more about Sinus Surgeries click the link below for more information. 

Dr. Amy Anstead | Find Sinus Relief Today

Sedation Dentistry is easy to understand. Essentially, sedation dentistry helps you rest through dental treatment. Dental sedation is safe and easy for most people. 

Dental Anxiety is Real.

Nearly half of all Americans experience at least some dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety comes in many shapes and forms. Some people are fearful of major dental procedures. Others simply don’t like any reason to be in the dentist’s chair. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Dr. Frahm can help you alleviate your fear and anxiety with Sedation Dentistry.

If you are very fearful of an upcoming dental appointment, you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry. Some of the reasons people opt for sedation dentistry are:

• You had a difficult dental experience earlier in life.
• You feel very uncomfortable having other people so close to your face.
• You need to be in the dentist’s chair a long time for a major procedure.
• You have sensitive teeth.
• It’s hard for you to sit still during treatment.
• You have a bad gag reflex.
• You live with trauma-related symptoms or experience PTSD.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry uses medication to induce relaxation. Dental sedation methods are designed leave you conscious, in a resting state, without discomfort. And of course, Dr. Frahm uses local anesthetic to numb areas for treatment.

The types of sedation dentistry include:

• Minimal sedation with nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask that is placed over your nose. It’s likely you’ll feel awake but relaxed. The effects tend to wear off quickly. You may be able to drive yourself home afterwards.
• Moderate oral sedation is also called oral conscious sedation. It is induced with a pill taken about an hour before treatment. It’s a type of Valium that makes you feel relaxed and a little sleepy. You rest in a twilight-state during care. Our team of dental professionals monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen intake throughout the treatment process. When care is complete, we wake you to go home. We help you out to ride home. A companion will need to drive you to and from care. It’s best if they stay with you at home for a few hours after, as well. Dr. Frahm will call in the evening to see how you are feeling.
• I.V. Sedation is recommended for oral surgeries and for patients who do not respond to other forms of sedation care. I.V. sedation is Valium-like medication administered intravenously. You will be conscious and feel relaxed during treatment. You will be able to respond to questions, but you won’t remember much. This type of sedation requires that you fast before the procedure. You will need a companion to accompany you to your care visit. They will need to drive you to and from care and stay with you while you rest afterwards. Dr. Frahm will call a few hours after care to check on your condition.

Holistic Dentistry’s Role in Reducing Stress

Dr. Frahm is an expert in both minimal sedation with nitrous oxide and oral sedation dentistry. She has completed rigorous, post-doctoral training with the Doctors for Oral Conscious Sedation Education organization and is Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS) certified. In advance of your visit, Dr. Frahm discusses your anxiety level with you. Together, you will decide the ways in which she can provide comfortable care during your next visit. Our office is designed with you in mind. With amenities like organic aroma Therapy, neck pillows and cozy blankets, your comfort is our priority.

If you have a fear of dental work, you are not alone. Dr. Frahm will carefully discuss your needs with you to determine which form of sedation care works best for you.

DDS