Dental Sinusitis Treatment in Stockholm – Sinus Perforation & Tooth-Related Sinus Pain
If you need dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm, the cause may be an infected upper tooth, a failed root canal, periodontal infection around an upper molar, or an opening between the mouth and the maxillary sinus after extraction. These conditions can cause one-sided sinus pressure, upper-tooth symptoms, bad taste or odour, nasal symptoms, or passage of air or fluid between the mouth and nose.
At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm, we assess tooth-related sinus problems with a structured dental and oral-surgery approach. The aim is to identify or exclude a dental source, treat dental disease when present, and coordinate with medical or ENT care when the sinus component requires it.
This page explains odontogenic sinusitis, sinus perforation, oroantral communication, treatment options, aftercare and when further dental or ENT assessment may be needed.
Last fact-checked: 29 September 2026.
Quick answer – dental sinusitis vs sinus perforation
- Dental sinusitis: sinus inflammation caused by a dental source, often an infected upper molar or premolar.
- Sinus perforation: a small opening between the mouth and the maxillary sinus, often after extraction of an upper back tooth.
- Oroantral communication, OAC: the clinical term for an opening between the mouth and sinus.
- Oroantral fistula, OAF: a persistent opening that has not closed and may need surgical management.
- Urgent warning signs: fluid passing from mouth to nose, worsening facial swelling, fever, foul taste, or one-sided sinus symptoms after dental treatment.
Best next step: book a dental assessment if symptoms are connected to an upper tooth, previous root canal treatment, or recent extraction.
What is dental sinusitis?
Dental sinusitis, also called odontogenic sinusitis or tooth-related sinusitis, occurs when infection or inflammation from an upper tooth affects the maxillary sinus. The roots of upper premolars and molars can sit very close to the sinus floor. This means that a dental infection may feel like sinus pressure, cheek pain, nasal blockage, or upper jaw discomfort.
Dental sinusitis is often one-sided. It may be linked to deep decay, an infected tooth nerve, a failed or leaking root canal, periodontal disease around upper teeth, or complications after dental surgery.
Because non-dental sinusitis and odontogenic sinusitis can feel similar, diagnosis often requires both sides of the problem to be assessed. International multidisciplinary consensus recommends that dental providers confirm the odontogenic source, while ENT evaluation may be needed to confirm active sinusitis when sinonasal disease is present. Treating only sinus symptoms without addressing a confirmed dental source can lead to persistent or recurrent disease.
What is a sinus perforation after tooth extraction?
A sinus perforation can occur when an upper premolar or molar is removed and a small communication forms between the mouth and the maxillary sinus. This is called an oroantral communication or OAC.
Small openings can sometimes close with protective measures and careful follow-up. Larger openings, infected openings, or openings that persist may require surgical closure to prevent an oroantral fistula.
If you notice air, fluid, or pressure moving between your mouth and nose after an extraction, do not test the area by forcing air through the nose. Contact a dentist for assessment.
Dental sinusitis treatment Stockholm – symptoms to watch for
Symptoms may be dental, sinus-related, or both. The pattern of symptoms often gives important clues about the source.
- One-sided facial pressure or cheek pain
- Pain in upper back teeth when chewing or tapping
- Blocked sinus feeling on one side
- Bad taste or foul smell from the nose or mouth
- Post-nasal drip or discharge with unpleasant taste
- Swelling around an upper tooth or gum
- Persistent symptoms after upper molar extraction
- Air or liquid passing between the mouth and nose
- Symptoms that do not improve with ordinary sinus treatment
| Symptom or finding | Possible explanation | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|
| One-sided sinus pressure with upper tooth pain | Possible dental sinusitis from an upper molar or premolar. | Dental exam, tooth testing, and imaging. |
| Bad taste or foul smell from one side | Possible infection, drainage, or sinus involvement. | Book assessment promptly. |
| Fluid passes from mouth to nose after extraction | Possible oroantral communication. | Avoid nose blowing and contact the clinic. |
| Whistling sound or air movement after extraction | Possible opening between mouth and sinus. | Clinical examination and sinus precautions. |
| Fever, swelling, or worsening facial pain | Possible spreading infection. | Seek urgent dental or medical care. |
Common dental causes of sinus problems
Dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm starts by identifying the dental source. The most common causes include:
- Untreated cavities in upper premolars or molars
- Infected tooth nerve or abscess near the root tip
- Failed, leaking, or incomplete root canal treatment
- Persistent infection after root canal treatment that may need apical surgery
- Periodontal infection around upper teeth
- Extraction of upper molars or premolars close to the sinus floor
- Implant or surgical procedures in the upper jaw region
- Previous sinus lift or bone-related treatment requiring follow-up
If the issue is linked to a tooth infection, the dental source must be managed for lasting improvement. If symptoms are mainly acute dental pain, see our guide to emergency toothache in Stockholm.
How we diagnose dental sinusitis and sinus perforation
Diagnosis should be structured. It is not enough to look only at the sinus symptoms. We assess the teeth, gums, extraction site, sinus-related signs, and imaging findings together.
- Dental and sinus history: we ask about toothache, previous root canal treatment, recent extraction, nasal symptoms, bad taste, and one-sided pressure.
- Clinical dental examination: teeth are checked for decay, cracks, tenderness, swelling, gum pockets, and signs of infection.
- Tooth testing: when relevant, we assess whether a tooth nerve may be inflamed or infected.
- Imaging: dental X-rays help identify root infection, bone changes, root canal problems, or extraction-related findings.
- 3D assessment when needed: if the anatomy is complex or sinus involvement must be clarified, CBCT can be arranged or requested as part of planning.
- ENT coordination: if symptoms suggest broader sinus disease or combined care is needed, ENT assessment may be recommended.
You can read more about diagnostic support on our dental imaging page.
Dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm
The right treatment depends on the dental source, sinus involvement, and whether the affected tooth can be saved. Our goal is to remove or control the source of infection while protecting the sinus.
| Clinical situation | Possible treatment | Main goal |
|---|---|---|
| Infected tooth nerve | Root canal treatment when the tooth can be saved. | Remove infection from inside the tooth. |
| Failed or leaking root canal | Root canal retreatment or apical surgery depending on the case. | Control persistent root infection. |
| Tooth cannot be restored predictably | Careful extraction with sinus protection. | Remove the source of infection safely. |
| Sinus opening after extraction | OAC management, suturing, protective measures, or surgical closure. | Close or protect the communication and prevent fistula formation. |
| Persistent sinus disease | Dental treatment plus possible ENT collaboration. | Coordinate complete care when both dental and sinus factors are involved. |
After the infection has resolved and healing is stable, long-term replacement can be discussed if a tooth has been removed. Options may include dental implants, bridgework, or another solution depending on the case.
Sinus perforation management after extraction
A suspected oroantral communication should be assessed early. Management depends mainly on the size and age of the opening, whether it has epithelialised into a fistula, whether sinus infection is present, and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
- Small, recent communication: may close with protection of the blood clot, appropriate closure when indicated, sinus precautions and follow-up.
- Larger or persistent communication: is more likely to require surgical closure.
- Oroantral fistula: generally needs structured surgical management rather than observation alone.
- Sinus infection: requires treatment of the dental cause and may also require ENT involvement or sinus treatment.
- Future implant planning: should wait until soft tissue, sinus health and bone conditions are stable.
These problems are assessed within our oral surgery pathway, with referral or coordination when the clinical situation requires specialist ENT or maxillofacial care.
Important after suspected sinus perforation
- Avoid forceful nose blowing until the area has been assessed.
- If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open rather than trying to suppress it.
- Do not test the opening by forcing air through the nose.
- Avoid smoking during early healing.
- Follow the individual instructions given after examination or surgical closure.
- Attend follow-up so closure, sinus symptoms and healing can be checked.
If air or fluid passes between the mouth and nose, or pain, swelling, fever or foul drainage worsens, contact the clinic promptly.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery depends on the diagnosis and treatment performed. Dental sinusitis linked to a tooth infection may improve after the dental source is treated. A sinus perforation requires careful protection during healing.
- Follow all written aftercare instructions from the clinic.
- Use prescribed rinses or medication as directed.
- Sleep slightly elevated during the first nights if recommended.
- Avoid nose blowing and pressure changes after OAC closure.
- Keep the area clean without disturbing the healing site.
- Return for follow-up so healing can be checked.
If pain, swelling, fever, or foul drainage increases instead of improving, contact the clinic for advice.
When should you see a dentist, and when is ENT care needed?
Start with a dental assessment when symptoms are linked to an upper tooth, root-canal treatment, recent extraction, implant surgery or other dental findings. The dental role is to confirm or exclude an odontogenic source and address the dental pathology.
ENT assessment is particularly relevant when active sinusitis needs confirmation, symptoms are persistent or extensive, nasal disease is prominent, or symptoms remain after appropriate dental source control. Odontogenic sinusitis often benefits from coordinated dental and ENT decision-making rather than treating either side in isolation.
| Situation | Best first step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Upper tooth pain with sinus pressure | Dental assessment | A dental infection may be the source. |
| Fluid passes from mouth to nose after extraction | Dental or oral surgery assessment | Possible oroantral communication. |
| Repeated one-sided sinus symptoms after root canal | Dental assessment, possible ENT coordination | The tooth and sinus may both need evaluation. |
| General sinus symptoms without tooth signs | Medical or ENT assessment | The cause may not be dental. |
Planning future implants or sinus lift after healing
After dental sinusitis or sinus perforation, future implant treatment should be planned carefully. The sinus must be healthy and the bone must be suitable before implant placement.
If bone height in the upper jaw is limited, a sinus lift may be considered later. Timing is individual and depends on infection control, soft tissue healing, bone conditions, and the long-term restorative plan.
We will explain whether a future implant is realistic, whether bone support needs improvement, and when it is safe to proceed.
Why choose Gloss & Floss for dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm?
- Focused dental diagnosis: we look for the dental source behind sinus symptoms.
- Oral surgery experience: sinus perforation and OAC cases are assessed with a surgical mindset.
- Clear treatment planning: we explain whether the tooth can be saved or whether extraction is more predictable.
- Integrated care: root canal, apical surgery, extraction, OAC management, sinus lift, and implant planning can be considered together.
- English-speaking team: explanations, aftercare, and planning can be provided clearly in English.
- Calm Södermalm clinic: professional dental care in a reassuring Dental-SPA environment.
Related treatments and clinical information
Clinical sources
FAQ – Dental sinusitis and sinus perforation
What is dental sinusitis?
Dental sinusitis is sinus inflammation caused by a dental source, often an infected upper tooth, failed root canal, or gum infection around an upper molar or premolar.
Is dental sinusitis different from regular sinusitis?
Yes. Regular sinusitis usually starts in the sinus or upper airway. Dental sinusitis starts from a tooth or dental infection and often affects one side. Treating the dental source is important for lasting improvement.
Can a tooth infection cause sinus pain without toothache?
Yes. Some patients mainly feel one-sided sinus pressure, bad taste, or nasal symptoms and do not have strong tooth pain. Dental imaging and tooth testing can help identify the source.
Can a failed root canal cause sinus problems?
Yes. A re-infected or poorly sealed root canal in an upper tooth can irritate the maxillary sinus. Treatment may involve root canal retreatment, apical surgery, or extraction depending on the tooth prognosis.
How do I know if I have a sinus perforation after extraction?
Possible signs include air or liquid passing between the mouth and nose, whistling when speaking, fluid leaking from the nose when drinking, or persistent bad taste after extraction. Contact the clinic if this happens.
Is sinus perforation dangerous?
A small perforation can sometimes heal with protective measures, but it must be monitored. Larger or persistent openings can lead to an oroantral fistula or sinus infection and may need surgical closure.
Do all sinus perforations need surgery?
No. Small, recent communications may close with conservative protection and appropriate local management. Larger, persistent, epithelialised or infected communications are more likely to require surgical closure. The decision depends on the individual defect and sinus status.
What should I avoid after a sinus perforation?
Avoid forceful nose blowing and do not test the opening by forcing air through the nose. If you need to sneeze, keep your mouth open. Avoid smoking during early healing and follow the individual instructions given by the treating clinician.
Can I fly after a sinus perforation or sinus-related dental surgery?
Ask the treating clinician before flying. There is no single safe interval for every case; an open communication, recent closure, active sinusitis or ongoing symptoms can make pressure changes more relevant to healing.
Should I see a dentist or an ENT specialist?
A dentist should assess a suspected dental source. ENT assessment may also be needed to confirm and manage active sinusitis, especially when sinonasal disease is persistent or extensive. Many odontogenic-sinusitis cases benefit from coordinated dental and ENT care.
Can I get dental implants after dental sinusitis or sinus perforation?
Often yes, but only after infection has resolved and healing is stable. If bone height is limited, a sinus lift may be considered before implant placement.
When should I seek urgent help?
Seek urgent help if you have fever, spreading swelling, severe pain, fluid passing between mouth and nose, foul drainage, or worsening symptoms after extraction or dental surgery.
Book dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm
If you have one-sided sinus pressure, upper tooth pain, symptoms after an upper molar extraction, or signs of a sinus perforation, book an assessment at Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm. We will identify whether the source is dental, explain the treatment options, and help you plan the safest next step.
This page provides general information about dental sinusitis and sinus perforation. It does not replace individual diagnosis by a dentist, oral surgeon, or ENT specialist.
