Can an extraction cause blindness?

Question:

Dear Doctors,

Could extraction of upper tooth cause blindness? I had my upper tooth on the right side extracted and I went blind on my right eye.

Answer:

Not likely.  However, there is a slim possibility IF THE TOOTH WAS INFECTED.  There is a condition, called Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis,that stems from bacterial infection.  As a result, the bacteria causes inflammation of the cavernous sinus (located in the head and is a pathway for many important nerves and blood vessels).  This inflammation can cause pressure and result in blindness and other serious life-threatening side effects.  This is a possibility and requires IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Infection is the only possibility that could result in blindness, though cavernous sinus thrombosis is rarely associated with infected teeth.

Please seek medical attention immediately and follow up on this matter.

Good luck,

SaveMySmile Team