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. Clinics available at Portsmouth, Winchester & Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region. See the referral link on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dental-Related Sinus Infections (Odontogenic Sinusitis)
What is odontogenic sinusitis?
Odontogenic sinusitis is a sinus infection that originates from a dental source, usually an upper tooth. Because the roots of the upper molars and premolars sit very close to the maxillary sinus, infection or dental procedures can spread directly into the sinus.
How common are dental causes of sinus infections?
Dental disease accounts for a significant proportion of one-sided (unilateral) maxillary sinusitis, particularly when symptoms persist despite antibiotics. It is often under-recognised without ENT assessment.
Which dental problems most commonly cause sinusitis?
Common causes include:
Tooth abscesses or root infections
Oro-antral fistula after tooth extraction
Dental implants breaching the sinus floor
Root canal fillings extending into the sinus
Retained dental material within the sinus
What symptoms suggest a dental-related sinus infection?
Red-flag features include:
Persistent or foul-smelling nasal discharge (usually one-sided)
Facial pain or pressure over one cheek
Bad taste or post-nasal drip after dental treatment
Fluid or air escaping through a tooth socket
Sinus symptoms not responding to standard antibiotics
How is odontogenic sinusitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Nasal endoscopy to identify unilateral discharge or inflammation
CT scanning of the sinuses to confirm dental origin, retained material, or oro-antral communication
Clinical history linking symptoms to dental disease or procedures is crucial.
Why doesn’t standard antibiotic treatment always work?
If the dental source remains untreated, antibiotics alone rarely resolve the infection. The sinus continues to be re-infected until both the dental and sinus components are addressed.
What is the ENT role in treatment?
ENT management focuses on:
Treating sinus inflammation and infection
Restoring normal sinus drainage
Removing infected material from the sinus if required
This is often combined with dental treatment provided by the referring clinician.
When is sinus surgery required?
Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is considered when:
Infection persists despite dental treatment and medication
There is retained dental material within the sinus
Drainage pathways remain blocked
Surgery is minimally invasive, performed through the nostrils, and often image-guided.
Do dentists still manage the tooth problem?
Yes. Successful treatment requires joint care. ENT treats the sinus disease, while the dentist or oral surgeon manages the underlying dental cause. Patients are routinely referred back for ongoing dental care once sinus infection is controlled.
When should a dentist refer to ENT?
Referral is recommended when:
Sinus symptoms are unilateral
Symptoms persist after dental treatment
There is suspicion of oro-antral fistula
Imaging suggests sinus involvement
Early referral improves outcomes and reduces recurrence.
How can dentists refer patients?
Dentists can refer directly to Hampshire ENT Clinics via the secure online referral form or by email. Rapid-access clinics are available, and full feedback is provided to the referring clinician.
Who provides care at Hampshire ENT Clinics?
Care is consultant-led by Mr Tim Biggs and Mr Steve Hayes, with expertise in endoscopic sinus surgery and dental-related sinus infections.
Where are clinics based?
Clinics are available across Hampshire and the South Coast, including Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury, and surrounding areas.