Can A Root Canal Cause A Sinus Infection? What You Need To Know

If you’ve recently gotten a root canal and you think you have a sinus infection (sinusitis), you may be wondering if these two things are linked. Is it possible for a root canal to cause a sinus infection? 

The short answer is “no.” Root canals don’t cause sinus infections. But there are a few other connections between root canals and sinusitis-like symptoms. Read on to get all the details in this blog post from Cornerstone Dentistry.
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Root Canals Don’t Cause Sinus Infections, But A Tooth Infection Can!

Root canals are used to treat tooth infections. In a root canal, the infected pulp inside your tooth is completely removed, and the area is flushed and sanitized to kill any remaining bacteria. Basically, this means that a successful root won’t cause a sinus infection. 

In fact, a root canal can prevent a sinus infection from occurring. If you have a very deep tooth infection in an upper tooth, the bacteria could spread from the root of the tooth into your sinus lining, causing a sinus infection. The medical term for this is “maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin.”

So if you’re experiencing symptoms of sinusitis after a root canal, it’s possible that your sinuses were infected before your treatment, and you only started noticing the symptoms after your treatment was complete.
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An Unsuccessful Root Canal Could Lead To A Sinus Infection 

A successful root canal won’t cause a sinus infection. But if your root canal is not successful, this means that the bacteria inside the tooth won’t be fully eliminated. This could happen due to a poor surgical procedure, or because of complications like hidden roots or pockets of bacteria in your teeth. If your treatment is not successful, the infection could continue to spread, and it could eventually enter your sinuses.

If your tooth hurts after 3-7 days and you’re experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, this may indicate that your root canal has failed. You should see a dentist right away, and have your root canal redone to completely eliminate the remaining bacteria.
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Your Symptoms Could Also Indicate A “Sinus Communication” Due To Your Treatment

If you’re experiencing sinus pressure and mild discomfort in your sinuses, but your tooth no longer hurts, you may have a common complication called a “sinus communication.” This is a very small hole in the sinuses, which your dentist may make during the root canal process.

As mentioned, the upper teeth are really close to the sinus lining. Root canals involve using sharp instruments to clean out infected tooth material. And, in some cases, your dentist could puncture the sinus lining during the treatment process.

This can lead to some minor discomfort and sinus pressure. However, sinus communications usually heal on their own, and do not require any further intervention or surgery from your dentist. 
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Do You Need A Root Canal In Covington? Come To Cornerstone Dentistry!

At Cornerstone Dentistry, Dr. Keleigh Lascari offers expert root canal treatment in a judgment-free, comfortable environment. Our experienced team will ensure the best outcome while treating your infected tooth, and minimize your risk of complications. And with multiple sedation options at our office, you can relax while you get the expert dental care you need. Contact us online or give us a call at (985) 869-8020 to schedule a consultation today.