Management of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis

Abstract

Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) primarily results from a dental bacterial infection. Although OMS is a relatively common type of sinusitis, it is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by otorhinolaryngologists and dentists. The presence of periapical disease of the maxillary teeth should be carefully evaluated using computed tomography.

The treatment of OMS consists of eliminating dental infection and managing sinusitis. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is widely performed to remove the inflamed sinus mucosa and improve sinus ventilation for the management of sinusitis. However, ESS alone is insufficient in the treatment of OMS because the source of infection has not been eliminated. Moreover, dental infection elimination alone is sometimes sufficient to resolve OMS; however, ESS may be required for complete resolution.

Improved communication and referral relationships between otorhinolaryngologists and dentists are important to provide appropriate patient care in the management of OMS.