So, you’ve recently gotten a root canal, and now you’re experiencing sinus pressure, congestion, and other symptoms of sinus infection (sinusitis). Is it possible that your root canal could have caused this condition? Find out in this blog from Auburn Hills Family Dentistry, as we explain the relationship between your teeth, your sinuses, and root canal therapy.

Root Canals Don’t Cause Sinus Infections And Can Actually Stop Them From Occurring

Root canals don’t cause sinus infections. In fact, they’re 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, it’s 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.

A Failed Root Canal Could Lead To A Sinus Infection

So, why might you have a sinus infection after a root canal? One possibility is that your dentist did not properly clean out your tooth, leading to a failed root canal. If this happens, the infection could persist and spread to your sinuses.

The typical success rate of a root canal is over 95%, but failures do happen, especially if there are hidden structures in the roots of your teeth that were not properly identified before the treatment began. maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin

The good news is that it’s possible to perform endodontic retreatment to eliminate the infection. Basically, this involves repeating the root canal process again to remove any lingering bacteria, and make sure the tooth is healthy.

Sinusitis-Like Symptoms After Treatment Could Indicate A “Sinus Communication”

If you’re not experiencing pain near your tooth after a root canal, but you still feel mild congestion and sinus pressure, you may have what’s called a “sinus communication.” 

This means that your dentist made a tiny opening in your sinus lining by accident. This happens. As mentioned, the sinus linings are really close to the roots of the teeth. The sharp instruments used to clean out your tooth can poke through it, creating a small opening.

However, sinus communication rarely requires any treatment. The sinus lining will heal on its own over time. Surgical intervention to seal the opening is not needed unless it is very large, which is quite uncommon in root canal treatments.

Got An Aching Tooth? Come To Auburn Hills Family Dentistry For Help!

If you’ve got a toothache or even a sinus infection, it may be caused by a tooth infection. Immediate help is the best way to get rid of your pain, restore your tooth, and prevent future complications. So don’t wait. Give us a call at (678) 804-8818, or contact Auburn Hills Family Dentistry online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Haycock right away.