Sinus Infections Versus Tooth Ache

Sinus infections and tooth ache: is there a relationship?

It turns out, the upper molar teeth are inserted into the floor of the maxillary or cheek sinuses. Because these areas are so close, a sinus infection or other form of sinus disease may irritate the nerves that supply the upper back teeth. This may result in tooth pain caused by sinus infection or inflammation.

Sometimes, a dentist cannot find a problem with the tooth that the patient is bothered by.  Occasionally, sinus inflammation shows up on a dental x-ray or a cone beam CT scan that many dentists are now equipped with.  He or she may recommend further evaluation of the sinus region. 

Appropriate management of the sinus problem should then result in resolution of the toothache.