“How Wisdom Teeth Affect Your Sinus Health”
Wisdom teeth are the final molars that erupt in the rear of the mouth. Although they may be helpful if they erupt correctly, they tend to lead to issues because of insufficient space. One of the lesser-known problems associated with wisdom teeth is sinus issues. The top wisdom teeth are situated near the maxillary sinuses, which are air-filled cavities present behind the cheeks and above the top teeth. In certain instances, sinus complications from wisdom teeth can result in pain and infection.
How Are Wisdom Teeth and Sinuses Related?
The roots of the maxillary wisdom teeth are located close to the maxillary sinuses. Sometimes the roots might invade the sinus cavity or push on the sinus lining. During the development or eruption of the wisdom teeth, they tend to put pressure on the sinus walls, which may result in pain such as headache, facial pain, and congestion.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted (buried under the bone or within the gums), it may rub against the sinus cavity, causing irritation and swelling. Also, with the spreading of the infection from the wisdom tooth into the sinuses, this can result in sinusitis, which is largely characterized by symptoms such as pain, a feeling of pressure in the face, and difficulty in breathing through the nose.
Sinus Symptoms Caused by Wisdom Teeth
Possible symptoms if your sinuses are associated with your wisdom teeth may include:
- Pressure or pain on your upper jaw and cheeks
- Headaches, especially around the forehead and temples
- Nasal blockages or postnasal drips
- Soreness close to your eyes and nose
- Excessive secretion of mucus
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
If you experience any symptoms, you could visit your dentist to examine your mouth and X-ray for wisdom teeth that are impacting your sinuses.
Do wisdom teeth affect sinuses?
Yes, wisdom teeth can lead to sinus problems. In partially erupted wisdom teeth, bacteria may infect the tissue around them, breaching the gum wall. This infection may spread to the maxillary sinuses and result in sinusitis. Symptoms of a sinus infection caused by wisdom teeth generally include:
- Swelling around the upper jaw
- Yellowish or greenish nasal discharge
- Fever and fatigue
- Pressure in the region surrounding the eyes and the nose
- Pain while chewing or biting
If left untreated, this form of infection may escalate and give rise to more critical problems. A dentist in SE Calgary can evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment plan.
Treatment Methods for Sinus Complications Caused by Wisdom Teeth
In case of wisdom teeth inducing sinus problems, the ideal treatment method is generally wisdom teeth removal close to you. Extraction of the infected teeth can ease pressure on the sinuses and avoid further infection. It is often carried out by an oral surgeon or a dentist with local or general anesthesia.
Following the extraction of wisdom teeth removal near you, a patient may have temporary sinus congestion or only mild pain. Dentists might advise them to refrain from activities that are forceful in the sinuses, like nose blowing forcefully or using straws for consumption, during the recovery phase.
What If My Wisdom Tooth Is in My Sinus Cavity?
In some unusual instances, a wisdom tooth will grow into the sinus cavity. Such a situation necessitates an expert in wisdom tooth in sinus cavity removal. Otherwise, complications could arise. Typical signs that one has wisdom teeth in the sinus cavity include severe hurting in the face, sinus pressure, and some chronic infections. The oral surgeon will use advanced imaging studies to assess the case and come up with the best methods of safe removal if possible.