Tooth Infection Could Be the Source of Your Chronic Sinus Problems
Most people will experience sinus related issues at some point, often attributing them to seasonal allergies. When these symptoms are on-going, or return frequently, they are considered chronic and should be addressed by your doctor. Dr. James Reisman and Dr. Jordana Contrucci at C R Dental Group stress the importance of seeing your dentist at least twice a year and let them know about any health problems you may have. This allows them to help with a comprehensive exam, because oftentimes, treatable dental issues are the underlying cause.
The Hidden Culprit
Endodontic infections that develop in the maxillary posterior teeth can easily spread into the maxillary sinuses causing pathological effects that frequently go unrecognized by both patients and clinicians alike. Failure to diagnose and properly manage these endodontic infections can lead to symptomatic sinus disease, defined as maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin (MSEO).
Patients with sinonasal symptoms and without localized dental pain will often first seek care from their primary care physician or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who may misdiagnose and treat MSEO as a sinus infection. Studies indicate that more than 40% of maxillary sinusitis cases are odontogenic, increasing to over 70% when maxillary sinus infections are unilateral.
Finding Answers Together
While antibiotics will resolve the infection for a period of time, in the case of MSEO, they are incapable of reaching the source of the infection inside the tooth. The absence of dental symptoms can make it very difficult to recognize that there is even a tooth infection present. That is why communication about all health issues is vital so that your doctors can make the most informed diagnosis and give you a treatment plan to restore you back to health.
