Have you recently had a root canal? Then you might be experiencing the symptoms of a sinus infection:
But did your root canal cause the sinus infection? Is it actually a sinus infection?
First, let’s get something clear: the root canal did not cause the sinus infection.
But here’s why you may be experiencing these symptoms.
If one of your upper teeth is infected, the bacteria might not stay in place. In some cases, the infection can spread to your sinus, which essentially leads to a sinus infection over time.
This is simply because of your biology: the tooth’s root is extremely close to your sinuses. If the tooth infection is left unchecked, and the infection reaches the root, it may not take long for it to spread to your sinus lining.
So if you’re experiencing a sinus infection after a root canal, it may just be an issue with time. The infection had already spread to the sinuses, but you’re just now experiencing the symptoms.
Root canals cannot cause a sinus infection. The procedure simply involves removing all the infected tissue from the tooth.
But, the procedure can lead to “sinus communication”, which is a small tear in your sinus lining near the root of your infected tooth. Essentially, because the root is so close to the sinus lining, when the dentist starts treating the tooth, it is possible to puncture the sinus lining.
As a result, even if you don’t have a sinus infection, you may still experience symptoms such as:
But, you’ll also experience other symptoms that are not associated with a sinus infection.
For instance, people with sinus communication often feel like fluid is going up their nose every time they drink or feel the air go across the socket when they breathe.
If you’re experiencing sinus communication – don’t worry. The tear will heal on its own in just a couple of days.
If the symptoms persist, or if you’re dealing with a sinus infection, you should reach out to your doctor for more personalized care. You may even need to take antibiotics for a while to treat the infection.
A sinus infection isn’t the only possible complication of an infected tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread so much that the tooth may need to be extracted.
If you’re dealing with a tooth infection, Dr. Nicole Vane is at your service, with expert oral care services that can help make sure your smile stays happy and healthy!
Book an appointment at Moonlight Beach Dental online, or call us at (760) 417-6768 for more information about us.
