Sinusitis Tooth Infection

Sinusitis Tooth Infection

Throbbing pain radiating from the jaw to the ear, accompanied by sharp headaches, can indicate a dental or sinus problem. While many recognize this pain as a tooth issue, few realize that untreated tooth decay can sometimes contribute to sinus infections.

But how do we know if the toothache is due to a sinus infection or if sinus inflammation caused the toothache?

In this article, we will discuss a little more about the role of a damaged tooth in sinus infection, and vice versa, sinus inflammation, and their role in toothache. Stay with us to understand these interconnected conditions’ causes, symptoms, and solutions.

Table of Contents

What is a Sinus?

First, let’s get to know the sinus a little more. Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the facial bones near the eyes and nose.

The role of the nasal sinuses is to warm the air that enters the nose from the outside. In addition, our sinuses are covered with tiny cilia, which are responsible for cleaning the incoming air.

When mucus builds up in these cavities, inflammation or infection can occur, often causing discomfort or pain, including sinus toothaches.

 

What is Sinusitis?

We mentioned that sinuses are air-filled cavities in the face. Among these, the maxillary sinuses near the upper jaw and under the eyes are most relevant to dental issues.

Suppose this sinus gets infected, and you don’t mind drying the pus inside it long. In that case, your sinusitis will recur, and you will experience complications such as headaches and sinus toothache.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Consider treating your sinusitis if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Pain in the cheekbones, nose, forehead, or other parts of the face
  • Runny nose in the form of drops with throat irritation
  • Inability to smell and taste
  • Discolored nasal discharge
  • Respiratory problems

What is Sinus Toothache?

The sinus cavities are very close to the roots of the maxillary teeth. Just as a sinus infection can lead to toothache, minor damage or disease in a tooth can also lead to an infection or worsening of sinus inflammation. Research has shown that in 2012, forty percent of sinus infections were caused by maxillary tooth infections.

 The sinuses and upper jaw teeth have common nerves that are stimulated when these nerves are inflamed. You may feel the signals of sinus infection in the form of toothache, which may not be solved by taking antibiotics in a short time. For this reason, we recommend that you consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sinus Toothache

To determine whether the cause of your toothache is an infection in the sinuses, you must visit a dentist or ENT specialist.

Treatment varies based on the root cause:

Solutions such as nasal drops, allergy medicine, or antibiotics are usually used if the toothache is due to a sinus infection.

But if the pain is due to the decay of the tooth itself, you will have no choice but to fill it or, most likely, to remove the tooth’s nerve.

Radiological imaging is often used to confirm the diagnosis. A white line that follows the natural lines of the sinus in the radiology image indicates a sinus infection, and the decay of the tooth base sometimes causes a hole in the sinus floor. The percentage of smokers suffering from this condition is estimated to be much higher than ordinary people.

Home Remedies for Sinus Toothache

There are also non-medical and more affordable solutions that you can try before going to the doctor:

  • Elevated Sleeping Position

If your sinus infection is due to a cold, your body needs much rest to repair itself. We recommend that you put your head on a high pillow while sleeping to prevent the accumulation of mucus in the sinus cavities.

  • Hydration

Drink a lot of water and fluids without sugar to hydrate the sinuses. Remember that drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee could be better.

  • Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam can open the nasal passages and drain the mucus. Taking a hot shower and drinking decaffeinated tea will also greatly help you.

  • Warm Compress

You can use a warm water compress on your face to relieve the pain.

  • Saline Rinse
    Wash the inside of the nose with salt water. For this, it is better to use distilled water, but if it is unavailable, boil some water in a kettle; after cooling, dissolve a small amount of salt and direct it into the nose and sinuses. You may feel a little burning sensation at the end of your nose, but this solution works great for disinfecting the sinus passages.
  • Diet Changes

Avoid spicy and spicy foods, as these substances can thin the mucus.

 

Treatment for Sinus Opening During Tooth Extraction

Up to this point in the article, you have understood how a damaged tooth plays a role in sinus inflammation.

Have you been asked whether nerve removal causes the sinuses to open? The answer is yes. This complication can occur during tooth extraction; its scientific name is OroAntral Communication or OAC.

In such cases, the mouth opens towards the nose, and you will feel it completely when you breathe. Even in some cases, what you drink may come out of your nose. Dentists often solve this problem with medicine, but if the medicine doesn’t work and the cavity is extensive, surgery should be done immediately. These types of surgeries are usually outpatient and associated with anesthesia.

What is the cause of sinus opening?

  • Long roots of teeth
  • thinness of the upper jaw bone
  • Carelessness of the dentist during tooth extraction

If you have this problem, it is better to remember the following points:

  • Sneeze with your mouth open so as not to put pressure on the nose.
  • Drinking liquids with a straw creates negative pressure in the mouth, so using a straw is not recommended.
  • Do not smoke for 10 days. If you can’t cover the hole entirely with sterile gauze.
  • Be very careful when observing oral and dental hygiene; the oral environment is very favorable for the growth of bacteria.

Treatment of Maxillary Sinusitis

Maxillary sinusitis, also called maxillary sinusitis, is an inflammation of the maxillary sinuses. Maxillary sinuses are two large cavities in the cheekbones under the eyes. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. A viral or bacterial infection usually causes acute sinusitis and causes symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, fever, and fatigue. Chronic sinusitis lasts for three months or more and is often caused by inflammation or blockage of the sinus passages. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis are similar to acute sinusitis, but they can be milder. The role of teeth is very effective in sinus inflammation and infection. The treatment of maxillary sinusitis depends on its cause and severity.

Home remedies

  • Warm incense
  • Rinsing the nose with salt water
  • Humidify the air
  • Drink plenty of fluids

Drug treatments

  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-congestion sprays
  • Nasal steroid sprays
  • Oral corticosteroids

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to treat chronic sinusitis that does not respond to other treatments. If the tooth’s role in your sinus inflammation and infection lasts more than a few weeks, is severe, or is accompanied by high fever, chills, or vision changes, you should visit Dr. Tehrani at Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach.

 

Complications of Sinus Perforation

The root of a wisdom tooth can sometimes be located in a sinus. Sinusitis is a fairly common condition, affecting about 4% of people. When a wisdom tooth root becomes lodged in a sinus, it can cause several problems, including:

  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Breathing problems

If you think you may have a wisdom tooth root in your sinus, you must see your dentist for an examination. They can use X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment of sinus intrusion usually involves wisdom tooth extraction. In some cases, surgery may also be needed to remove the portion of bone that surrounds the root. After wisdom tooth removal, the sinus usually heals completely. However, it is essential to continue to see your dentist for signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, or fever. Now, you can easily understand the role of teeth in sinus inflammation and infection.

Complications of Dental Sinus Opening

The opening of a dental sinus, also known as a dental sinus fistula, is a complication that a dental infection, root canal treatment, or dental surgery can cause. This happens when an abnormal canal develops between the root of the tooth and the sinus cavity. Complications of dental sinus opening can include the following:

  • Infection: The most common complication of dental sinus opening is sinus infection, which is called sinusitis. Sinusitis can cause pain, congestion, swelling, and purulent discharge from the nose. The disease can spread to other parts of the face or brain in severe cases.
  • Pain: The pain caused by the opening of the dental sinus can be intense and sharp and is often felt around the eyes or cheeks. This pain can be continuous or intermittent, accompanied by headache, fever, and chills.
  • Breathing problems: In severe cases, the opening of the dental sinus can block the sinus ducts. This issue makes breathing difficult and leads to a feeling of pressure in the face.
  • Dental problems: the opening of the dental sinus can damage the tooth root and lead to dental problems such as tooth abscess or tooth nerve death. It may require further dental treatments, such as root canals or tooth extractions.
  • Cosmetic problems: sinus fistula doesn’t know; it may cause a fistula or a hole in the skin or gums. This hole can be permanent and affect the appearance of your face.
  • Loss of smell: In rare cases, a dental sinus opening can damage the olfactory nerves and lead to a loss of smell.

Conclusion

See Beach Cities Dentistry as soon as possible if you notice any of the symptoms of an open sinus. Treatment will vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Surgery may sometimes be needed to close the fistula and prevent further infection.

In addition to the complications mentioned above, the opening of the dental sinuses can negatively affect your quality of life. Pain, infection, and breathing problems can make daily activities difficult.

If you think your teeth are very effective in inflammation and infection of sinuses and your sinuses are open, do not delay solving this problem. Visit Beach Cities Dentistry. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life. 

 

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