Odontogenic sinusitis is a type of sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), specifically caused by dental infections or procedures. [1] Comprising approximately 10-12% of all chronic sinusitis cases, this condition primarily affects the maxillary sinus, which is in close proximity to the upper teeth. [2]
Odontogenic sinusitis in considered a secondary type of sinusitis, as the infection does not start in the sinuses. [3] The etiology of odontogenic sinusitis is primarily related to dental infections or procedures. Preliminary studies suggest that odontogenic sinusitis has different biological mechanisms from acute or chronic rhinosinusitis. [4] Dental conditions such as gum disease, periapical abscesses, or tooth decay can lead to odontogenic sinusitis. Similarly, dental procedures such as tooth extractions, implant placement, or root canal treatments, particularly if they involve the posterior maxillary teeth, can also cause this condition. [5] [6] Microbiological studies have also determined that anaerobic bacteria are more frequently involved in odontogenic sinusitis cases than in classic acute or chronic rhinosinusitis cases. [7] [8]
Patients with odontogenic sinusitis may present with symptoms similar to those of other forms of sinusitis, such as nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, and a reduced sense of smell. However, the presence of dental pain, foul smell, or a history of recent dental procedure might suggest an odontogenic source. Often, the condition is unilateral, affecting only the side where the dental problem exists, [9] though it is not uncommon for infectious process to progressively spread from the maxillary sinus to the other sinuses and the opposite side. [10]
The diagnosis of odontogenic sinusitis is often challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists and dental specialists. Clinical examination and patient history play a crucial role. [11] Radiological investigation, including dental panoramic radiographs, computed tomography scans, and cone-beam computed tomography can help visualize the relationship between the maxillary sinuses and the dental structures, identify dental pathologies, and assess the extent of sinus involvement. [1]
The treatment of odontogenic sinusitis involves addressing the underlying dental condition and managing the sinus inflammation. This may include dental procedures such as root canal treatment, tooth extraction, or periodontal therapy. Antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, and nasal irrigation may be used to control symptoms, though their role in definitive treatment is still unclear. In some cases, endoscopic sinus surgery may be required, particularly if medical management fails or if there is a complication to the eye or intracranial structures. [12]
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for odontogenic sinusitis is generally good. However, if left untreated or not properly managed, complications can occur. These include extension of the infection to other sinuses, the orbit, or the intracranial structures, [13] or expose the patient to symptoms progression which can significantly affect quality of life. [14]
Odontogenic sinusitis is estimated to account for 10-12% of all cases of chronic sinusitis. It can occur at any age but is more common in adults due to the higher prevalence of periodontal disease and dental procedures. There is no known gender predilection for this condition. [15]
Current research on odontogenic sinusitis is focused on improving diagnostic methods, understanding the microbiology of the condition, and optimizing treatment strategies. [1] The role of novel technologies such as the use of artificial intelligence in managing such conditions is also being explored [16]
Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses resulting in symptoms that may include thick nasal mucus, a plugged nose, and facial pain.
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths within the nose or sinuses. Symptoms include trouble breathing through the nose, loss of smell, decreased taste, post nasal drip, and a runny nose. The growths are sac-like, movable, and nontender, though face pain may occasionally occur. They typically occur in both nostrils in those who are affected. Complications may include sinusitis and broadening of the nose.
Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), also called NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) or historically aspirin-induced asthma and Samter's Triad, is a long-term disease defined by three simultaneous symptoms: asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and intolerance of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Compared to aspirin tolerant patients, AERD patients' asthma and nasal polyps are generally more severe. Reduction or loss of the ability to smell is extremely common, occurring in more than 90% of people with the disease. AERD most commonly begins in early- to mid-adulthood and has no known cure. While NSAID intolerance is a defining feature of AERD, avoidance of NSAIDs does not affect the onset, development or perennial nature of the disease.
Nasal irrigation is a personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses, in order to enhance nasal breathing. Nasal irrigation can also refer to the use of saline nasal spray or nebulizers to moisten the mucous membranes.
The pyramid-shaped maxillary sinus is the largest of the paranasal sinuses, located in the maxilla. It drains into the middle meatus of the nose through the semilunar hiatus. It is located to the side of the nasal cavity, and below the orbit.
Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a clinical syndrome, the hallmark symptom of which is a sensation of suffocation despite a clear airway. This syndrome is often referred to as a form of secondary atrophic rhinitis. ENS is a potential complication of nasal turbinate surgery or injury. Patients have usually undergone a turbinectomy or other surgical procedures that injure the nasal turbinates.
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that ear, nose and throat surgeons may use for the treatment of blocked sinuses. Patients diagnosed with sinusitis but not responding to medications may be candidates for sinus surgery. Balloon technology was initially cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2005 and is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for chronic sinusitis. It uses a balloon over a wire catheter to dilate sinus passageways. The balloon is inflated with the goal of dilating the sinus openings, widening the walls of the sinus passageway and restoring normal drainage.
Silent sinus syndrome is a spontaneous, asymptomatic collapse of an air sinus associated with negative sinus pressures. It can cause painless facial asymmetry, diplopia and enophthalmos. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms, and can be confirmed using a CT scan. Treatment is surgical involving making an outlet for mucous drainage from the obstructed sinus, and, in some cases, paired with reconstruction of the orbital floor. It is slightly more common in middle age.
Maxillary sinus floor augmentation is a surgical procedure which aims to increase the amount of bone in the posterior maxilla, in the area of the premolar and molar teeth, by lifting the lower Schneiderian membrane and placing a bone graft.
Chronic atrophic rhinitis, or simply atrophic rhinitis, is a chronic inflammation of the nose characterised by atrophy of nasal mucosa, including the glands, turbinate bones and the nerve elements supplying the nose. Chronic atrophic rhinitis may be primary and secondary. Special forms of chronic atrophic rhinitis are rhinitis sicca anterior and ozaena. It can also be described as the empty nose syndrome.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a procedure that is used to treat sinusitis and other conditions that affect the sinuses. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can cause symptoms such as congestion, headaches, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
An odontogenic infection is an infection that originates within a tooth or in the closely surrounding tissues. The term is derived from odonto- and -genic. The most common causes for odontogenic infection to be established are dental caries, deep fillings, failed root canal treatments, periodontal disease, and pericoronitis. Odontogenic infection starts as localised infection and may remain localised to the region where it started, or spread into adjacent or distant areas.
ELOM-080 is the active ingredient of the herbal medicine named GeloMyrtol forte. The acronym ELOM stands for the oils from Eucalyptus, Lemon, (Sweet) Orange and Myrtle that it contains.
A Sinus implant is a medical device that is inserted into the sinus cavity. Implants can be in conjunction with sinus surgery to treat chronic sinusitis and also in sinus augmentation to increase bone structure for placement of dental implants.
Antral lavage is a largely obsolete surgical procedure in which a cannula is inserted into the maxillary sinus via the inferior meatus to allow irrigation and drainage of the sinus. It is also called proof puncture, as the presence of an infection can be proven during the procedure. Upon presence of infection, it can be considered as therapeutic puncture. Often, multiple repeated lavages are subsequently required to allow for full washout of infection.
Fungal sinusitis or fungal rhinosinusitis is the inflammation of the lining mucosa of the paranasal sinuses due to a fungal infection. It occurs in people with reduced immunity. The maxillary sinus is the most commonly involved. Fungi responsible for fungal sinusitis are Aspergillus fumigatus (90%), Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger. Fungal sinusitis occurs most commonly in middle-aged populations. Diabetes mellitus is the most common risk factor involved.
..Oroantral fistula (OAF) is an epithelialized oroantral communication (OAC). OAC refers to an abnormal connection between the oral cavity and the antrum. The creation of an OAC is most commonly due to the extraction of a maxillary (upper) tooth, typically a maxillary first molar, which is closely related to the antral floor. A small OAC may heal spontaneously, but a larger OAC would require surgical closure to prevent the development of a persistent OAF and chronic sinusitis.
Exhalation delivery systems (EDS) deliver medications to the internal nose. Developed in 2006, EDS devices use the patient's exhaled breath to propel medication, such as steroids, into the nasal cavities. The method can deliver medication deeper into the nasal passages than intranasal sprays, and at a lower pressure than nasal irrigation methods.
Dame Valerie Joan Lund is a British surgeon and emeritus Professor in Rhinology at University College London. Lund has worked on endoscopic endonasal surgery and studies sinonasal conditions She was elevated from CBE to DBE in the 2024 New Year Honours.
David William Kennedy is an American academician, surgeon, and otolaryngologist. He is currently serving as an emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania.