If you are someone who suffers from frequent sinus infections, consider making a dentist appointment. That might seem counterintuitive, but your recurring sinusitis could be related to tooth decay. Tooth decay, which starts as a cavity, can advance within the tooth if left untreated. Once it infects the pulp, it can continue to the root canal – traveling to the end of the root causing the breakdown of the root tip and the surrounding bone.
If you are suffering from a severe toothache, there is a good chance you have advanced tooth decay. This can usually be resolved with root canal treatment. On the other hand, advanced tooth decay doesn’t always produce pain or other typical symptoms. This is problematic because it makes it less likely a “silent” infection will be detected.
This type of symptomless infection, if it occurs in an upper tooth at the back of the mouth, can eventually cause problems in the maxillary sinus. The maxillary sinus is a hollow, air-filled space, positioned just above the back portion of your jaw. Left untreated, especially in individuals whose tooth roots extend to or through the sinus floor, this infection can cause chronic pain, congestion, and post-nasal drip.
Visiting Your Dentist in Round Lake Beach
You might be referred to an ENT (ears, nose, and throat specialist) if you have been suffering from chronic sinus problems. If they determine your recurring sinusitis is likely related to a dental issue, our Round Lake dental team is here to help. While antibiotic treatment can help clear up your symptoms short-term, only treating the source of the infection will stop subsequent rounds of sinusitis.
Depending on the extent of decay, the affected tooth may require root canal therapy. During this procedure, the dentist will completely remove the infected pulp and clean the root canals, filling the empty spaces to prevent future infection. This eliminates recurring sinusitis in about 50% of patients suffering from maxillary sinus infection.
Oral Health
If you are continually dealing with the symptoms of a recurring sinus infection, speak with your doctor or dentist about the possibility of it being related to a dental issue. You may find the right dental treatment alleviates your sinus problems.
If you would like to learn more about how your oral health could be affecting the rest of your body, we invite you to contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation at Reilly & Siegel Family Dental. We are dedicated to providing excellent general dentistry services and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
