What does “Maxillary sinus” mean?
The maxillary sinus is an air space located on either side of the nose within the upper jaw. Because it is close to the roots of the upper molars, it is examined together when explaining dental pain or treatment of the upper jaw.
Where is this space?
The maxillary sinus is one of the paranasal sinuses connected to the nose and is separate from the pulp space inside a tooth. The distance between its floor and the roots of the upper molars varies between people.
Why do you check at the dentist?
Inflammation of the upper molars may affect the maxillary sinus, or sinusitis may feel like molar pain. Distinguish the culprit area through dental examination and imaging.
How is it different from the maxilla?
The maxilla is the upper jaw bone itself and the maxillary sinus is a hollow space within that bone. The mere presence of a maxillary sinus does not indicate disease or the need for surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
If multiple upper molars hurt, is it because of the maxillary sinus?
Sinusitis can also cause such pain, but dental causes such as cavities and pulp inflammation are examined first. It will help to distinguish the cause if you also report nasal congestion or facial pressure.
Is it abnormal if the maxillary sinus is visible on a dental X-ray?
Normal anatomy is also visible in the image. The condition of the mucous membrane and the findings around the tooth roots must be interpreted together.
Questions needed to understand the maxillary sinus
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Does the pain start from the teeth or the sinuses?
Explanation and evidenceCompare the response of an individual tooth to stimulation with pain in the surrounding area and nasal symptoms.
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How close is it to the root of the tooth to be treated?
Explanation and evidenceIn upper molar treatment, the positional relationship between the root and the maxillary sinus is confirmed using the necessary images.
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