WHY DO I HAVE A SINUS INFECTION AFTER A ROOT CANAL?

Your upper teeth are close to the sinuses, because of this, the bacteria that has caused the tooth infection can sometimes spread to your sinuses, causing a secondary infection. If you notice the symptoms after seeing the dentist, it’s not the root canal procedure causing the infection, but two other potential scenarios:

• The bacteria had already reached the sinus before you got the root canal therapy, but the symptoms were not yet apparent;
• The root canal therapy was not fully successful and has left bacteria in the tooth, which traveled to the sinus causing the infection.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH SCENARIO APPLIES TO YOU?

A failed root canal therapy is not something anyone wants to go through, but the good news is that if this is the case, the symptoms will be rather obvious:

• Continuous swelling
• Heightened sensitivity to heat or cold
• Tooth discoloration
• Tooth pain
• Fever in some cases, etc.

Essentially, a failed root canal therapy means your tooth is still infected, so you will experience the same symptoms. If this is the case, you should see a dentist right away and have the bacteria removed, and save the tooth.

If you notice the symptoms of a sinus infection, but without any discomfort in your tooth, then most likely the infection had already spread to the sinus before getting your root canal.

HOW CAN YOU TREAT A SINUS INFECTION CAUSED BY A TOOTH INFECTION?

The treatment for a sinus infection caused by tooth infection is virtually identical to a regular sinus infection. You should get in touch with your family doctor for a consultation, but in most cases, treatments for sinus infection can include any of the following:

• Saline nasal sprays
• Pain medication
• Decongestants
• Antibiotics, etc.

In most cases, albeit not pleasant, people can bounce back from a sinus infection in just 1-2 weeks.

THINK YOU MIGHT NEED A ROOT CANAL? SCHEDULE A VISIT!

If you have a toothache and think you might require root canal therapy, the team at One Endo: Endodontics of Westchester Shore & Greenwich is happy to help provide you with the best dental care for a healthy smile. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Nicholas Mastroianni, Dr. Dean Saccomanno, or Dr. Michael Cotter today, or call us directly at (914) 777-9465 to find out more about our services and how we can help!