There are seven sinus cavities in your face. Two of those cavities, the maxillary sinuses, are located near to the jaw. When your sinuses hurt, it is often because of an infection. A sinus infection causes your sinus cavities to become filled with fluid which, for those near your jaw, means that more pressure is exerted on your jaw, causing more pain. If your sinus pain is caused by your teeth, you may need to see an oral surgeon.

Dental Abscess

An abscessed tooth is one which has an infection. The infection is located in the root of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth. An abscess is filled with infected fluid and needs to be drained. If the abscessed tooth is one that is in the back of the jaw, and is not promptly taken care of, it can put pressure on the sinus cavity and can even drain into it.

Dental Implant

Another cause of sinus pain caused by teeth is because of a dental implant. An implant is a titanium rod meant to replace the root of a tooth on which a substitute fake tooth sits The maxillary sinuses are located very close to the jaw. An implant in the back of the jaw can sometimes break into the sinus cavity.

TMD

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint at which your upper and lower jaws connect. Problems with this joint, known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD), mimic symptoms of a sinus infection. If you actually have a sinus infection, it can worsen TMD, leading to severe pain and even a dislocated jaw.

What Can an Oral Surgeon Do?

An oral surgeon can be a great asset if your sinus pain is related to oral pain. An abscessed tooth requires draining as well as a root canal. In order to fix a dental implant, a sinus lift surgery can help to make sufficient space for the implant to sit. Even TMD issues can be alleviated by an oral surgeon, particularly if it is caused by a misaligned jaw.

If you suspect your sinus pain is actually caused by dental pain, contact our office right away.