Odontogenic Sinusitis

What is odontogenic sinusitis and how can we identify it?

Odontogenic sinusitis is a relatively common condition as dental infections can spread immediately within the maxillary sinus due to the fact that the teeth of the maxilla are near this area.

It is classified according to the duration of the clinical symptoms as acute (less than three weeks), sub-acute (between three weeks and three months) and chronic (over three months).

Diagnosis is achieved with clinical examinations and imaging (radiography).

Which dental underlying factors are connected with the disease?

Apical abscesses
Parodontosis
Iinfected dental cysts
The presence of dental material in the sinus
Oroantral communication (direct communication of the maxillary sinus with the oral cavity)

How can it be treated?

The main aim treatment for odontotgenic sinusitis is to restore the ventilation of the affected sinus while also performing a complete surgical cleaning of the area. This surgery usually involves an intraoral incision. Medication is prescribed, including antibiotics, painkillers and nasal decongestants.

Oral hygiene is important from the very beginning: brushing and regular use of antiseptic mouthwash is required.