Usually, a substantial toothache will have you dialing your phone to make an emergency dental appointment. You are right to act quickly, as tooth pain is quite often an indication of something wrong. The sooner you seek medical attention, the sooner the problem can be fixed, and the pain can be stopped. Did you know that many dentists end up seeing toothache patients that have nothing wrong with their teeth? In fact, sinus infections are often confused for dental issues. Dr. Calcagno, your Rochester dentist, explains how the close proximity of your teeth and your sinuses to each other can result in toothaches that aren’t actually toothaches.
Explanation of Sinus Infections
When you breathe in through your nose, air will travel through the sinuses on the way to your lungs. Hollow cavities that are located within your jawbone, some people are especially prone to infections in their sinuses. If your sinuses weren’t so tucked away, you could easily see that they actually look quite a bit like the inside of your mouth. When the pink membrane that lines your sinuses becomes inflamed, you will suffer with sinusitis. This is more commonly referred to as a sinus infection, and tends to especially affect people during times of the year when seasonal allergies flare up.
How Can Sinusitis Be Mistaken for a Toothache?
Sinuses are located right above the roots of your top molars. When you go to visit your dentist with tooth pain, x-rays of your teeth will likely be ordered. A toothache that has a dental cause is generally a result of inflammation in the pulp of your teeth. Tooth roots and other nerves are located in the pulp, so decay that has traveled there can cause significant pain. If your tooth pulp (and the tooth in question) look fine after a thorough examination and x-rays, there is a chance that your sinuses are the culprit of your discomfort. Your dentist will probably recommend that you make your way to your general physician to get your sinus cavities looked at.
Toothache? Visit Your Rochester Dentist
Though sinusitis could end up being the reason for your toothache, seeing your dentist is the first course of action if you have acute pain in your teeth or gums. To schedule an examination, contact our Rochester dentist office at (507)281-3659. We are happy to provide patients with comprehensive dentistry in Rochester, Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, the 55902 zip code, and surrounding communities.
