Thursday, March 28, 2024

Can A Root Canal Cause A Sinus Infection

What Causes Root Canal Infections

Sinus Tract Healed – Should I finish the Root Canal? #AllThingsDentistry

There are many reasons why a tooth can have an infection after a root canal. These include:

  • The shape of your root canals can be very complicated and areas of infection may go undetected in the first procedure.
  • Your tooth could have narrow or curved canals that werent fully cleaned and disinfected during the root canal.
  • Your tooth may also have extra, accessory canals that could be housing bacteria which may reinfect a tooth.
  • If the placement of the crown or permanent restoration is delayed following treatment, it could allow harmful bacteria back into your tooth.
  • Your tooth may get a new cavity after treatment, or become cracked or damaged, leading to a new root canal infection.

To treat a root canal infection, a root canal retreatment may be recommended to give your tooth a second chance. This retreatment is similar to the first root canal procedure.

In retreatment, your dentist or root canal specialist will typically do the following:

  • Look for infected or dead tissue around the area of the root canal and take an X-ray.
  • Numb the area around the affected tooth using local anesthesia.
  • Place a protective barrier around the tooth to protect your gums and mouth.
  • Use a dental drill to get through the filling and enamel to the pulp and root canal area.
  • Clean out the area where the tissue is infected or dead, and remove old root filler material or medicine that may have been in the root.
  • Root Canals Dont Cause Sinus Infections But Infected Teeth Can

    Its possible that your sinus infection is not related to your root canal at all. If you have sinusitis, this could have been caused by your infected tooth, and it may be persisting after the tooth has been cleaned and repaired with a root canal.

    The upper teeth, and the upper-rear teeth, in particular, are very close to your sinus lining. If the inside of your tooth is infected, the root could decay and cause bone near your sinuses to break down. If this happens, bacteria can enter your sinuses, and cause a sinus infection.

    This is known as maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin. Its entirely possible for this to persist after a root canal. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may be able to simply treat your symptoms at home, or you may need to see a doctor for antibiotics to control and eliminate the infection.

    More Serious Sinus Problems May Indicate A Deeper Issue

    A minor sinus communication is no cause for concern. But what if the issue is deeper? It is possible that you have a larger hole in your sinus lining, which may not heal on its own. This is quite rare unless your dentist was careless during the root canal treatment process.

    A larger hole in your sinus lining may have more severe symptoms. Follow-up with a dentist if you notice things like:

    • Sinus problems that are getting worse or have not gone away within 3-5 days of your root canal treatment
    • Signs of a sinus infection
    • Pain and discomfort in the sinus area near your tooth
    • A musty, metallic taste in the nose, throat or mouth, which could indicate infection
    • Presence of blood or pus in the nasal mucus or nose

    These issues may indicate that you have a serious sinus issue and that your tooth may not have been treated properly to resolve the infection. See an experienced dentist like Dr. Luck for treatment right away.

    Also Check: Best Medicine For Severe Sinus Pressure

    What Antibiotics Treat Infected Dental Implants

    Although there are numerous antimicrobial agents available, only a limited number of systemic antibiotics such as amoxicillin phenoxymethylpenicillin clindamycin metronidazole and the combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole have been widely used in the implant dentistry field .

    Should you take antibiotics after a dental implant?

    Antibiotics are however useful in preventing postoperative infections after implant placement. To achieve high long-term survival and success rates of dental implants, antibiotic prophylaxis is required.

    Im Having Sinus Problems After A Root Canal What Does It Mean

    Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) explained

    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.

    Read Also: Will Cefdinir Treat Sinus Infection

    What Is Sinus Communication

    âDuring a root canal procedure, an accidental poke in the sinus lining can cause sinus infection symptoms for the patient. When performing a root canal on the upper teeth, the dentist must be very careful when removing the infected tissue. The roots of the upper teeth are very close to some of your sinuses, and itâs easy to accidentally poke the delicate lining during the root canal.

    If this happens, the patient will experience symptoms like post-nasal drip , sinus pain, pressure and inflammation, and the strange feeling of air going through their tooth socket.

    Get Expert Care For Infected Teeth From Woburn Dental Associates

    Our dental team has years of experience in endodontics. We can take steps to prevent sinus infections due to infected teeth, and ensure your tooth is restored, repaired, and preserved for years to come. If you need a root canal in Woburn, donât wait. Contact Woburn Dental Associates online or call us at 933-0422 to schedule a consultation immediately.

    Also Check: How To Use Sinus Rinse

    Root Canals Do Not Cause Cancer

    The documentary Root Cause released in 2018 follows the story of Australian filmmaker Frazer Bailey as he tries to determine the cause of his fatigue and depression. He believes a root canal he got when he was younger may have caused his symptoms. He even goes so far as to suggest that theres a direct link between root canals and breast cancer in women.

    No causal link has ever been found between root canals and cancer.

    The American Dental Association , American Association of Endodontists , and American Association of Dental Research have all released public statements warning that these false claims spread dangerous misinformation and may harm people who avoid getting root canals because of them.

    Root Canals Dont Cause Sinus Infections And Can Actually Stop Them From Occurring

    Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

    Root canals dont cause sinus infections. In fact, theyre one of the best ways to stop a root canal from happening. This is because infected teeth often lead to sinus infections. This is common enough that it has its own medical term, maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin.

    This is because the roots of the upper teeth, especially the rear molars, are very close to the sinus lining. So if your tooth is infected, its entirely possible for the infection to spread into the roots of your teeth, then into your sinuses.

    So, when successful, root canal therapy from Dr. Haycock at Auburn Hills Family Dentistry can actually prevent a sinus infection from happening.

    Recommended Reading: Saline Spray For Sinus Infection

    Why Root Canals Dont Cause Sinus Infections

    First, letâs set the record straight â root canals cannot cause sinus infections. Sinusitis or a sinus infection is caused by bacteria entering your sinuses. Meanwhile, a root canal procedure is designed to remove bacteria from the inside of your tooth.

    Because we are disinfecting your tooth, this would not spread bacteria into your sinuses. However, an active tooth infection so close to your sinuses can enter your sinuses if the root canal is unsuccessful.

    Root canals have a 95% success rate so a failed root canal is rare, but in the case that a root canal does fail, the bacteria from your tooth infection can spread to your sinuses during the cleaning process. In most cases, it is actually more likely that the sinus infection was present before the root canal procedure ever took place. If you experience severe pain

    Sinus Infections Can Originate From The Mouth

    Experts have coined a specific term for maxillary sinusitis of dental origin in odontogenic sinusitis. Odontogenic sinusitis is the inflammation of the paranasal sinusitis resulting from dental pathology. We mentioned proximity being a critical factor in the spread of infections from the mouth to the sinuses, and this holds true for the rear upper dental tooth apices. These apices are adjacent to the respiratory mucosa and maxillary sinus floor, which explains how infections could transfer. Failure to treat dental infections in these areas could result in chronic sinus infections and impairment for patients.

    Patients suffering from odontogenic sinusitis may experience congestion, rhinorrhea, facial pain, and foul odor. While odontogenic sinusitis is relatively prevalent, most physicians or ENT specialists typically misdiagnose patients, treating their cases as primary sinus infections. They often overlook the possibility of dental origins, which will require different methods to treat.

    Also Check: Azithromycin 500mg For Sinus Infection

    Sinus Infection Can Be Caused By Infected Teeth

    On the other hand, if you do have a sinus infection, it wouldnât have been caused by the root canal treatment itself. A sinus infection is caused by bacteria and the entire point of a root canal is to remove bacteria from the tooth.

    There are two reasons why you could have a sinus infection – your sinuses were infected before getting the root canal or the root canal treatment failed. A tooth infection can spread to the sinuses because of its proximity to the sinus lining.

    If bacteria had already passed through your sinuses then removing the bacteria from your tooth wonât prevent the sinus infection. A failed root canal means that not all of the infected dental pulp has been removed from the tooth, which leaves the infection still present in the tooth. If you have a sinus infection, you should go to a doctor to get antibiotics.â

    Need Root Canal Therapy Schedule A Consultation Today

    Microsurgical Root Canal Treatment

    A root canal treatment is highly effective at saving a tooth from extraction. If you have a tooth infection, you should seek treatment right away. Without treatment, the infection will spread to your other teeth and into your bloodstream, which can be dangerous. Contact us at Thrive Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with our dentists in Wilmington.

    You May Like: Advil Cold And Sinus Alternatives

    Can Root Canal Cause Sinus Infection

    As in all medical interventions, there is a slight risk of complication from root canals. The latest medical research suggests that in a small minority of cases, patients may experience maxillary sinusitis as a result. Its important to stay informed throughout all stages of medical procedures so that you can identify any possible issues and talk to your dental practitioner about all of your concerns.

    According to the most recent information from the American Association of Endodontics , root canals are a very common procedure. In fact, more than 15 million root canals are performed every year in the United States, which comes to more than 41,000 each day. Endodontists are trained to perform this procedure accurately and safely, with the result that nearly 90% of patients are satisfied following their root canal procedure.

    When To See A Doctor

    If you experience symptoms immediately following root canal treatment, it would be best to monitor them for a few days. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult with a physician or ENT specialist while bringing up the possibility that it could be sinus communication or odontogenic sinusitis.

    Benefit From The Latest Advancements In Probiotic Science With Bionaze

    Bionaze is a proprietary blend of probiotics proven to promote ear, nose, and throat health, improve digestion, and support your immune system. The active ingredients BLIS K12, and BL-04 are considered among the best probiotics according to science.

    Get 10% Off Your First Order when you use BIONAZE10 at checkout!

    Recommended Reading: How Long Does A Steroid Shot For Sinus Infection Last

    How Can You Tell If A Dental Implant Is Failing

    While there are several different possible causes of implant failure, the signs are the same. Youll know that your dental implants are failing if you start to experience severe pain or discomfort in or around your dental implants, if your gums are swollen or inflamed, or if your implant starts to become loose.

    Why you might need sinus surgery when getting dental implants?

    An unusual flow of liquids or air between your nose and mouth

  • Small graft particles discharging from your nose
  • An increase of nasal or sinus congestion near the surgical site
  • An increase in swelling on your cheek,mouth,or below the eyes.
  • What Are Some Common Sinus Issues Patients May Experience After A Root Canal

    Dental Abcess – Why Root Canal Treatment Is Needed

    After a root canal on your upper teeth, these are the sinus issues you may develop:

    Root canal failure: In the event that your root canal fails to remove the source of the infection, the root of the tooth will continue to experience pus build up. This pus can continue to build up pressure until it bursts through the lining of the sinus and drains directly into the sinuses. There are a few different reasons that could cause a root canal failure, including cracks in the roots, obstructions preventing the dentist from thoroughly cleaning the area, or unidentified canals that the dentist missed. Some of the most common indicators of this sinus issue are a constantly running nose, clogged sinuses on one side of your face, a red eye on the same side of your face, and experiencing a musty or metallic smell or taste. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your dentist to resolve the failed root canal.

    Puncturing of your sinus lining: Accidentally puncturing your sinus lining during a root canal is rare, and only occurs if your dentist was careless during the procedure. While a sinus communication is a very small hole that will heal naturally, a punctured sinus is a much larger hole that almost

    Contact Bixby Knolls Dentist if you would like to learn more and schedule a consultation if you believe a root canal is necessary.

    Read Also: What Medicine Is Prescribed For A Sinus Infection

    How Often Do Teeth Cause Sinus Infections

    Hupps Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery textbook states, Periapical or periodontal infections of maxillary posterior teeth may erode superiorly through the floor of the maxillary sinus. Approximately 20% of cases of maxillary sinusitis are odontogenic.

    Basically, thats a fancy way of saying that tooth and gum abscesses of the upper back teeth can eat through the bone and invade the maxillary sinus. It further says that about 20% of all maxillary sinus infections are caused by tooth infections, rather than another cause.

    Below, youll find a couple of examples of how tooth infections or abscesses can cause sinus infections.

    Symptoms Unique To Sinus Communications

    • Feeling fluid enter your nose while drinking
    • Feeling air rushing across your teeth while breathing through your nose

    Thankfully, sinus communications usually heal on their own in a few days. If your symptoms persist longer than a week, you should contact an ENT at Associates of Otolaryngology to seek further treatment.

    Read Also: Things That Help With Sinus Pressure

    Think You Might Need A Root Canal Schedule A Visit

    If you have a toothache and think you might require root canal therapy, the team at One Endo: Endodontics of Westchester Shore & Greenwich is happy to help provide you with the best dental care for a healthy smile.

    Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nicholas Mastroianni, Dr. Dean Saccomanno, or Dr. Michael Cotter today, or call us directly at 777-9465 to find out more about our services and how we can help!

    Maxillary Sinusitis Of Endodontic Origin Without Root Canal

    Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) explained

    Its important to understand that sinusitis can also be spread without a root canal. This could occur in any of your teeth that are showing signs of pulpal necrosis which means that the pulp tissue inside your death is dead. At this stage, you can easily suffer from recurring and painful infections that can travel to your maxillary region and lead to sinusitis.

    If theres a severe infection in the pulp of your tooth thats causing the pulp to decay, its probably time to speak to your dentist or endodontist about receiving root canal treatment. Treatment for MSEO will include:

    • Removing the infection-causing bacteria from your teeth.
    • Removing the diseased and infected pulp.
    • Prescribing antibiotics if necessary.

    Many patients will have their symptoms of sinusitis cleared up after treatment of the infected pulp.

    You May Like: Can A Sinus Infection Cause You To Lose Your Voice

    You May Have A Sinus Communication Causing Sinusitis

    This is the most common cause of minor sinus problems after root canal therapy. A sinus communication is a small hole in your sinus lining, which may be opened by your dentist while they are performing a root canal.

    This happens because the roots of your upper teeth are extremely close to your sinus lining, which is relatively delicate. When cleaning your tooth during a root canal, your dentist will use a special tool to remove decayed material from the roots of your teeth. Itâs possible for them to accidentally poke through the sinus lining and create a very small hole, or sinus communication.

    Usually, this results in symptoms like:

    • Feeling air go across the socket of your tooth when you breathe
    • A runny nose or post-nasal drip
    • Congestion, sinus pressure, and pain

    âThese symptoms are relatively mild. If your sinus communication is small, it will heal on its own, and you will not have to seek further treatment. However, if your pain and discomfort persists or gets worse, you may have a larger hole in your sinus lining, and you may need treatment to close this opening.

    Sinus Problems After Root Canal Therapy

    If youâve recently had a root canal performed on one of your upper teeth and youâre noticing pressure or discomfort, thereâs a chance you may be experiencing some minor sinus issues. Is this something that should concern you? Does it indicate a deeper problem, or an improperly-performed root canal? The team at Buckwalter Dental Care wants to keep you well-informed about possible root canal issues:

    Recommended Reading: What’s The Difference In Sinus And Allergies

    Popular Articles
    Related news