Collaborative Care for Dental-Related Sinus Infections in Hampshire
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we frequently work alongside local dentists and oral surgeons to manage patients with dental-related sinus infections (odontogenic sinusitis).
Because the upper teeth and maxillary sinuses sit so close together, dental infections or procedures can sometimes lead to persistent sinus problems — and early ENT referral can make all the difference.
When Dental Problems Cause Sinus Infections
The maxillary sinus lies directly above the roots of the upper molars and premolars. If infection spreads from the tooth or after dental work (such as extraction, implant placement or root canal treatment), bacteria can enter the sinus cavity.
This can cause unilateral sinusitis, a chronic or recurrent infection affecting one side of the face, often resistant to standard antibiotics.
Common dental causes include:
Tooth abscesses and root infections
Oro-antral fistula (communication between the mouth and sinus) after extraction
Dental implants or root fillings breaching the sinus floor
Retained foreign material within the sinus
Typical Symptoms Suggesting Odontogenic Sinusitis
Dentists and hygienists should consider sinus involvement if patients report:
Persistent or foul nasal discharge (often unilateral)
Facial pain or pressure in the cheek
Bad breath or post-nasal drip following dental work
Fluid or air leak from the tooth socket
Sinus symptoms that do not respond to standard dental or antibiotic treatment
If any of these signs are present, ENT assessment is recommended to confirm diagnosis and manage the sinus component effectively.
ENT Assessment and Imaging
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we offer rapid access to:
Endoscopic nasal examination – to visualise inflammation or discharge at the sinus opening.
CT scanning of the sinuses – to assess infection spread, identify retained dental material, or confirm oro-antral communication.
Multidisciplinary input – we collaborate closely with referring dentists, oral surgeons, and maxillofacial colleagues across Hampshire for seamless, shared patient care.
Treatment Approach
Our goal is to treat both the sinus and the dental source of infection:
Medical therapy – topical steroid sprays, saline rinses and appropriate antibiotics.
Dental management – addressing the causative tooth, closing oro-antral communications, or revising implants.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) – for persistent infection, we use minimally invasive, image-guided techniques to clear the sinus and restore drainage.
Patients are then returned to their dentist or oral surgeon for ongoing dental care once the sinus has healed.
Referral Pathway for Dentists in Hampshire
We welcome referrals from:
General dental practices
Specialist oral surgeons
Implantologists and periodontists
Dentists can refer patients directly via our secure online referral form or by emailing info@ent-surgeons.uk
We provide rapid access clinics for sinus and nasal problems, and we ensure all correspondence and imaging results are shared back with the referring clinician.
Working Together for Better Outcomes
Odontogenic sinusitis often requires collaboration between dental and ENT specialists. By referring early, dentists can ensure their patients receive comprehensive care — addressing both the dental and sinus causes of infection, reducing recurrence and improving long-term comfort.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, Mr Tim Biggs & Mr Steve Hayes combine expertise in endoscopic sinus surgery, dental-related sinus infections, and multidisciplinary management, providing the highest standard of sinus care for patients across Hampshire and the South Coast.