Lakefront Family Dentistry Blog

Sinus Infection Tooth Pain – What’s the Relationship?

How to Stop Sinus Infection Tooth Pain

Sinus infection tooth pain can have a mutual relationship. Toothaches and oral discomfort are never fun experiences. Did you know that dental pain can affect biological systems outside the mouth? For example, severe toothaches can actually correlate with a sinus infection.

After more than 30 years in the field, Riverside County’s leading cosmetic and family dentist Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, and Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS, are known for transforming families’ smiles. Get quality service and information on preventing and treating toothaches from Lakefront Family Dentistry. Call (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

sinus infection tooth pain

Causes of Sinus Infection Tooth Pain

The sinuses are inflated passageways in the face and head covered with mucous membranes. Sleep deprivation, poor diet, stress, exposure to environmental allergens and chemicals, as well as previous illnesses, can inhibit the immune system just enough to cause a sinus infection. Bacterial intruders can increase mucous production and swelling in the sinuses, which not only can exacerbate symptoms but also can form mini-breeding grounds for bacteria.

Just above the upper jaw, inside the cheekbones, are the maxillary sinuses. When inflammation and infection occur here, swelling may force the walls of the sinus cavity to press against the neighboring roots of the upper-back teeth. This pressure can lead to sinus infection and tooth pain, which indicate a dental problem.

The maxillary sinuses affect the upper teeth. Maxillary sinusitis causes continuous pain in the back-upper teeth that increases when the head moves and decreases when lying down. If sinus infections are left untreated or undiagnosed altogether, they can stay active for weeks or months.

Diagnosing Sinus Tooth Pain

Sinus toothaches can be difficult to recognize and diagnose due to the fact that symptoms can feel similar to those of normal toothaches. However, there are a few indications that the toothache is due to sinus-related issues.

The first is the location of the sinus tooth pain, which is usually in the upper-back teeth on either side of the mouth. Headaches are also common symptoms of sinus infections and can accompany toothaches.

Maxillary Sinusitis Treatment

There are various options to treat maxillary sinusitis. Here are a few common methods:

  • Using a humidifier
  • Nasal spray that contains ephedrine or phenylephrine
  • Oral decongestants like Sudafed
  • Antibiotics if the sinusitis is bacterial

Root Canal Treatments Can Alleviate Oral Infections

Damage caused by cavities, cracks in enamel or extensive tooth decay allows infectious microorganisms to enter the mouth. Once bacteria enter, they move through the canal and to the jawbone, which causes damage to the pulp, the area in the center of the tooth.

During a root canal at Lakefront Family Dentistry, our highly experienced dentists will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. By examining digital X-rays, Dr. Phillipe can locate the main areas of infection. During treatment, our highly trained staff reassures patients will enjoy a smooth, comfortable procedure.

Teeth usually have one or two canals, but a root canal molar may have up to four, depending on the patient and his or her mouth structure. Aside from receiving a root canal, Lakefront Family Dentistry offers a variety of restorative options for patients, including CEREC porcelain crowns and veneers, bridges and white fillings.

Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser offer patients the breakthrough technology of Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC). With this, he can create and apply flawless porcelain veneers and crowns in just one visit!

For patients seeking restorative options, CEREC can save both time and money. Besides the convenience of scheduling fewer dental visits, patients do not need to take as many days off work as they would with traditional crown or veneer treatments.

Patients also have the option to choose white fillings comprising a composite material colored to match the original teeth. If you want to restore teeth with a minimal amount of decay and loss of structure, white fillings are a smart option.

Request Appointment with Lakefront Family Dentistry Today.

For three decades, Dr. Phillipe and Dr. Hauser have been serving patients of all ages to transform their smiles into dental masterpieces. To see what our 5-star rated dentists can do to alleviate your sinus infection tooth pain, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

sinus infection tooth pain dentist
Dr. Phillipe and his Amazing Staff Love Their Dental Therapy Dog, Nilla. Patients are Relaxed and Comforted by Her and Going to the Dentist Becomes Fun Again.