Acceso usuarios
, Carla Nicole Amores Sandoval, Johana Katherine Asas Jinde, Gabriela Alejandra Silva Alcívar, Arahi Gabriela Cueller Ocampo, Luis Bladimir Guamán Caiza
Sinusitis of dental origin represents a unique subset of maxillary sinus infections that arises predominantly from odontogenic sources, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges within clinical practice. Unlike typical sinusitis, which often results from infectious or allergic etiologies, dental sinusitis stems from infections or pathological conditions affecting the teeth and their supporting structures, particularly the maxillary molars and premolars, leading to inflammation that extends into the adjacent sinus cavity. The clinical presentation of dental-origin sinusitis can be subtle and often overlaps with other sinonasal conditions, making differentiation critical to ensure appropriate management. Common signs and symptoms include facial pain or swelling localized to the maxillary region, dull or throbbing pain that worsens with dental activity, nasal congestion, and purulent nasal discharge, but these may be mistaken for primary sinusitis of non-dental origin. Diagnostic differentiation relies heavily on a combination of thorough patient history, detailed dental examination, and advanced imaging techniques such as panoramic radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which can reveal dental infections or periapical pathologies contributing to sinusitis. Accurate identification is essential because misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments, prolonged discomfort, and potential complications such as chronic sinusitis or recurrent infections. Effective management of sinusitis of dental origin necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving dental professionals, otolaryngologists, and radiologists, focusing on both addressing the primary odontogenic source—be it root canal infections, periodontal disease, or dental trauma—and implementing appropriate medical or surgical interventions for sinusitis itself. This paper aims to comprehensively explore the clinical features that distinguish dental sinusitis, elucidate key diagnostic criteria for differentiation from non-dental sinusitis, and review current treatment modalities, emphasizing the importance of integrated care pathways to optimize patient outcomes.
