Can A Sinus Infection Be Caused By A Tooth
Sinus infections arent fun for anybody. They bring a host of unpleasant symptoms, and are one of the most common infections a person can get. Sometimes we can deal with it on our own, if its more serious, we need antibiotic intervention. Sinuses are finicky, and they can flare up due to allergies, weather changes, and toothaches?
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Can A Tooth Infection Spread To Your Sinuses
While a sinus infection and tooth pain normally arise in that order, a tooth infection can, in fact, lead to sinus inflammation pain. In rare cases, bacteria, viruses, or fungi in a tooth abscess can spread to the brain and create life-threatening complications.
For this reason, we often recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to sinus infections and tooth pain if you think the tooth pain youre experiencing goes beyond what youd expect during a sinus infection, consult your dentist.
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Feeling Sinus Pain It Could Be Your Wisdom Teeth
If youre having some issues with your sinuses but allergy medicine just isnt helping, weve got one possibility you may have overlooked. It could be your wisdom teeth. But how can wisdom teeth cause sinus pain?
To answer that question, youll need to know a little bit more about where exactly your sinuses run and how theyre connected to your teeth.
What Is A Dental Abscess
A tooth abscess is a bubble of pus thats caused by a bacterial infection. It may be located at the root of the tooth or on the gums near the affected tooth. It is usually due to an untreated cavity or injury.
In some cases, Dr. Holtzman can treat the issue with a root canal or other procedures, but at other times, such as in the case of a fracture, a dental extraction may be necessary.
The abscess may burst on its own, providing some temporary relief, but eventually it will return. If this cycle continues for too long, it may lead to various health complications. Bacterial infections in your mouth may lead to infections in your blood stream, endanger your bone health, and eventually put your heart at risk. The fluid found in the abscesses has been linked with harmful buildup in the arteries.
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Health Problems Caused By Bad Teeth
IntroductionNot that you need a reason to routinely clean your teeth beyond basic hygiene, but there is another even more fundamentally important reason to do so it may save your life. Yes, the human body is a remarkable machine. But like a machine, if there is failure to keep up with maintenance and keep it running at maximum efficiency, it can and will break down on you sometimes in the most unexpected of ways. Dental problems do not just affect the mouth, and something that started as a small cavity or infection could lead all the way to a stroke just a few years later if left unchecked.
Before and After Dental Treatment
10) Memory Loss Caused by Absent TeethRecent research suggests that the loss of teeth may directly or at least partially contribute to memory loss as you age. This is due to the sensory impulses in your teeth that chewing creates which go to the brain. These impulses connect to the part of the brain responsible for retrieving and forming memories, the hippocampus. Scientists have found that fewer signals are produced in individuals without their own teeth.
In one study, subjects participated in performance tests that addressed episodic memory and semantic memory . Researchers found that older people who still had their original teeth had a better memory than individuals without.
The More Teeth, The Better Memory Will Be in Old Age
Every System in the Body is Connected – Trouble with Your Teeth Leads to Heart Complications
Can Tmj Cause Sinus Problems
While TMJ wont cause sinus problems, the symptoms of existing sinus problems can make TMJD worse. Nasal congestion and bruxism can trigger snoring and restless sleep. Sinusitis can cause breathing problems because of congestion, leading you to breathe with your mouth open. This pulls the jaw out of its natural resting position, which can stress the jaw and contribute to bruxism, or teeth grinding. Sinus issues like allergies can also cause sneezing, an action that can cause your jaw to click or pop, or even dislocate entirely.
Read Also: What Is The Best Nighttime Sinus Medicine
Root Canals Will Not Cause Sinusitis Unless The Treatment Fails
So, can a root canal cause a sinus infection? The answer is no. A root canal will never be the primary cause of a sinus infection. During the root canal process, the interior of your tooth is cleaned and sterilized to kill bacteria, so this actually reduces your risk of developing sinusitis due to your tooth infection.
There is an exception, though. If the root canal treatment fails and there are still bacteria in the treated tooth, they may continue to multiply. The tooth infection will come back, and it could cause a sinus infection if it spreads through your sinuses.
So if youre experiencing the symptoms of a sinus infection and your tooth is still hurting after root canal therapy, you should see your dentist for a follow-up right away. You may need further treatment to eliminate the tooth infection.
Is It Sinus Pressure Or A Toothache
Did you know that sinus pressure can cause symptoms that closely mimic a regular toothache? Sinus congestion and infections can cause your upper teeth to hurt as if you had a cavity or even an abscess. In this blog post, youll learn why sinus pressure can cause a toothache, how to tell if a toothache is related to sinus pressure, and what to expect if you go to the dentist with possible sinus pressure issues.
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How To Distinguish A Tooth Problem From A Sinus Problem
Its really difficult to identify if dental and sinus problems are related on your own. Sinus infections and allergies can cause tooth pain. Dental problems can trigger sinus problems. Some people have dental pain due to a bad tooth. After the tooth is pulled, they still feel pain because theres an underlying sinus infection.
To distinguish between the two often takes a good ENT doctor. Well ask questions to understand your sinus and dental history, examine your sinuses with a scope, and use a CT scan to get a better picture of whats happening.
Related: What Does An ENT Do At Your First Appointment?
In fact, thats where our expertise is distinguishing between anatomic, allergy, sinus, and dental problems. These issues have many of the same symptoms. In order to find the real issue, we look at a patients history, conduct an exam, and interpret the CT scan to put together the reasons for the problems.
People who dont get better, and still have the same symptoms recur, need an accurate diagnosis. Only then, can we really treat the symptoms in a way that will actually work.
How Tooth Implants Can Lead To Sinus Issues
It is possible for certain tooth implants to impinge on the sinus cavity. This typically occurs in instances in which an error was made in the initial placement of the post. If one does not receive treatment, the tooth implant has the potential to become loose and can lead to an infection. It is interesting to note there is minimal risk to the patient’s sinus area during the tooth implant surgery. In most cases, upwards of a couple millimeters worth of a tooth implant can penetrate the sinus area during placement without any long-term complications. If there is any worry there will not be enough bone below the sinus, a procedure known as a sinus lift will be the most effective option. This procedure empowers the surgeon to place additional bone in the sinus air cavity for ample implant stabilization.
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How Do You Know If A Tooth Infection Has Spread To Your Brain
Can A Rotten Tooth Cause Sinus Problems
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Can A Tooth Abscess Cause A Sinus Infection
A tooth abscess may cause a sinus infection, as can almost any type of bacterial infection in your upper teeth.
In fact, theres a name for this type of sinus problem: maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin. The maxillary sinus is located behind the cheekbones close to the roots of the upper back teeth. Therefore an infection in the upper teeth can spread to the maxillary sinus rather easily. Symptoms of this type of sinus infection include post nasal drip and sinus congestion.
Chronic Sinus Infections Can Be Caused By Infected Teeth
Its important to understand that sinus infections can actually be caused by an infected tooth. If one of your upper teeth is infected, there is likely quite a bit of bacteria at the root of the tooth.
The roots of your upper teeth are extremely close to your sinus lining and sinus cavity. In some cases, the root can actually poke through the floor of the sinus. In a severe tooth infection, the bacteria may cause the bone to decay and break down, allowing the infection to spread into your sinus lining, causing sinusitis.
This is also known as sinusitis of endodontic origin. If you are experiencing sinus infection-like symptoms after a root canal, this may be the issue. Your root canal will have removed the infection from your tooth, but your sinuses may still be infected. You may need to see a doctor to get appropriate treatment to eliminate the source of your infection.
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Your Root Canal May Not Have Been Successful
An infected tooth can actually cause sinusitis because the roots of your upper teeth are very close to your sinuses. If your root canal is not successful and your tooth remains infected, it may cause sinusitis as it gets worse. This is known as âsinusitis of dental origin.â The bacteria may spread from the roots of your upper teeth into your sinuses, causing a sinus infection.
If your tooth continues to hurt and feel uncomfortable after your root canal for more than a day or two and you also notice sinusitis-like symptoms, itâs possible that the treatment was not entirely successful. Root canal re-treatment may be required to remove the remaining infected material from your tooth.
Is Your Tooth Pain Caused By Blocked Sinus
Theres no worse experience than tooth pain. It can be a throbbing, aching feeling that radiates from your mouth to your jaw. Eventually a tooth pain can give you a terrible headache. If youre really unlucky, your tooth pain can lead to nausea, migraines and joint pain.
But is the source of this pain simply your teeth? Its important to get to the root cause of the problem. There is a chance that your tooth pain is caused by a blocked sinus. If you suffer from chronic nasal congestion as well as toothaches, the two might be related. Read ahead for valuable information that can help you in a dental emergency.
Its time to stop letting tooth pain run your life. No more missed days at work and missing out on time with your friends and family! Stop suffering and get to the root of the problem! If your tooth pain is caused by chronic nasal congestion, a natural sinus remedy can solve the problem.
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Sinus Tooth Pain Relief
If your sinus tooth pain is caused by sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antihistamines. If it is caused by bruxism, your dentist may recommend wearing a nighttime mouth guard. Sinus tooth pain caused by tooth damage or tooth decay will need additional dental care, such as filling a cavity.
Im Having Sinus Problems After A Root Canal What Does It Mean
If youâve recently had a root canal, but now youâre having sinus problems like post-nasal drip, sinus pressure and congestion and other similar symptoms, you may be wondering if this is related to your recent treatment. Learn everything you need to know about sinus problems after a root canal from Sarasota Bay Dental now.
Also Check: When Do I Need Antibiotics For A Sinus Infection
Sinus Infections Can Be Caused By An Infected Tooth
First, its important to note that your sinuses are very close to your upper teeth. Because of this, an infected tooth can actually be the cause of a sinus infection.
If you have an infected upper tooth, the root of the tooth may be so close to the sinus lining that bacteria can spread throughout the sinus lining and into your sinuses. This is a relatively common issue in patients with serious tooth infections in their upper teeth.
Its so common that theres actually a medical name for it. This type of sinus infection is called maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin. If you have a sinus infection after a root canal, its possible that your infected tooth was what caused the issue.
Treatment for this kind of sinus infection is the same as any other type of sinus infection. Your immune system will eventually destroy the infection, but you may need to get antibiotics from the doctor to speed up the recovery process.
How Can I Tell The Difference Between Sinus Tooth Pain And A Real Toothache
There are ways to tell the difference between sinus tooth pain and a genuine toothache.
Sinus tooth pain is usually:
- Continuous pressure or discomfort
- Isolated in the maxillary teeth
- Accompanied by other symptoms of sinus infection
- Increased when bending down, moving the head, or standing.
Although sinus toothache is typically only present in the upper molars, an infection that lasts a long time can cause referred pain to travel to the lower teeth as well.
Tooth pain or toothache with a dental cause may be:
- Focused on only a single tooth
- Sharp or causing sensitivity when biting hard, hot, or cold food
- More severe pain than the pressure of a sinus toothache and
- Progressively uncomfortable or painful,
If you have upper molar pain or discomfort, and a dentist has ruled out dental causes, it may be a good idea to consult with a physician to determine if the problem could be in your sinuses.
Recommended Reading: Why Am I Getting Sinus Infections All The Time
Need A Second Opinion Dr Sean Ogrady Is Here To Help
If you suspect that your root canal caused a large sinus communication or you think that your dentist did not perform your root canal properly, Dr. Sean OâGrady is here to help. We can offer second opinions in Denver, and Dr. OâGrady has years of experience in root canal therapy and endodontic treatment. Contact us now at 551-6580 to get started, or stop by our office at 4402 Umatilla Street, Denver, CO 80211.
Cause Of Sinus Toothaches
Tooth pain related to sinus problems occurs because the upper teeth are so close to the maxillary sinuses. The maxillary sinuses are located above the upper jaws and inside the cheekbone. When the maxillary sinus becomes inflamed or infected, it swells and becomes congested resulting in pressurization. The roots of the back teeth in your upper jaw are very, very close to the bottom portion of the maxillary sinuses, so when they swell and pressurize it can easily result in pressure on the nerves in the roots of your teeth.
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Tooth Problem Or Sinus Pain Allergies Can Blur Diagnosis
Tooth pain or sinus pain? Knowing the difference can be perplexing for both patients and professionals, especially during allergy season.
Diagnosis is really difficult. Theres no question about that, said Karl Woodmansey, DDS, MA, clinical assistant professor in endodontics at the Texas A& M College of Dentistry. During his 17 years in general practice, he ran into this quandary quite often. Diagnosis was always challenging, deciding, When do I refer to a physician or an ear, nose and throat specialist ? When is this an endodontic problem?
Such dilemmas have become somewhat easier to navigate with high-resolution imaging capabilities and an interdisciplinary approach, he said. CBCT, or cone-beam computed tomography, has been revolutionary with its computerized, cone-shape beam that produces 3D digital images.
Old-school, two-dimensional radiographs are just this agglomeration of everything between the film and X-ray tubehead. Now we can see these very precise slices where we can look right in one particular space in the sinus, Woodmansey said.
Gabrielle Dizon, a general dentist who graduated from the College of Dentistry and practices in North Dallas, says every now and then patients come in complaining about tooth pain that is sinus related, or vice versa.
Dizon sometimes recommends that her sinus-suffering patients take decongestants or any allergy medication they have. A nasal wash system like a neti pot used for a week often does the trick, too, she said.