A root canal is a type of treatment used to repair and save an infected tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth and restoring it with a filling.
If you have root canal treatment, you might be worried that it could cause sinus problems. So what’s the truth?
When Does Root Canal Treatment Affect Your Sinuses?
The only way root canal treatment can affect your sinuses is if you have a condition called a periapical abscess. This is when an infection develops in the tissue surrounding the tip of the tooth’s roots.
In rare cases, this infection may spread to the sinus cavity, causing pain, swelling and other symptoms. However, this would be extremely unusual and occurs in less than 1% of patients.
Why Do People Think There Is a Link Between Root Canals and Sinus Problems?
If you have a toothache or other dental problems, it’s common for people to blame any related health issues on their teeth. If you have pain or pressure in your jaw that radiates into your ear or cheek, especially after eating something sweet or hot or cold, you might think it’s due to a cavity.
In fact, most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by sinus congestion or allergies than a dental problem. Pain near your teeth can also be caused by anxiety, TMJ (a disorder that affects your jaw), heartburn, gum disease and many other conditions unrelated to tooth decay.
Other Causes of Sinus Problems
When you’re dealing with a root canal, you don’t want to add other problems on top of it. So, when you feel like your sinus is acting up while you’re recovering from a root canal, it’s natural to worry that the procedure has caused this new problem. But it’s not likely that your sinus problems are related to your tooth infection.
There are other causes of sinus issues that are more common, and these problems are usually unrelated to a root canal. However, when an infection in your gums or teeth is severe enough, it can spread and possibly cause pain in nearby areas, such as the sinuses.
Book an Appointment With Prime Dental Services Harare
In addition to being caused by allergies or a cold, sinus problems can also be caused by:
-Nasal polyps – These are small growths in the nose that block sinus drainage
-Deviated septum – The wall between your nostrils may be crooked and block proper drainage from your nose into your sinuses
-Other medical conditions like cystic fibrosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and immunodeficiency disorders
What Causes Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection is caused by bacteria that builds up in the tooth as a result of deep cavities, cracks or chips in the tooth, gum disease, or trauma from a blow to the mouth. A tooth infection can cause swelling at the base of the infected tooth and pain when chewing or biting down on that side of your mouth.