Very worried about sinus communication, Xray Posted-- Please advise

[DFrazer1989]

I need to have tooth #15 which was endodontically treated, removed and I was told that I may have a sinus communication because of this-- meaning a hole in my maxillary sinus.

What I am unclear about, is this INEVITABLE or a possibility? Can anyone give me an idea from looking at the xray?

Thanks so much -- Im VERY nervous about this.

 

[comfortdentist]

absolutely a risk but seldom happens.

 

[DFrazer1989]

absolutely a risk but seldom happens.

If it does happen, whats the sensation, typically? I imagine it'll feel like I'm constantly choking with swallowing.

 

[Jennylynn]

I had a really awful back molar that was treated with root canal ten years ago and a month before it was extracted. The tooth was close enough that they required an oral surgeon to take it out. There ended up being no communication. They said if there was. It would close up within a few weeks and nothing to worry about.

 

[Dr David Lee]

I need to have tooth #15 which was endodontically treated, removed and I was told that I may have a sinus communication because of this-- meaning a hole in my maxillary sinus.

What I am unclear about, is this INEVITABLE or a possibility? Can anyone give me an idea from looking at the xray?

Thanks so much -- Im VERY nervous about this.

Hi DFrazer1989,

It is quite normal to feel anxious about the possibility of a sinus communication. Based on the x-ray, it does appear the roots of tooth #15 are superimposed on the left maxillary sinus. However, it is quite common to see this, due to the length of the roots on maxillary molars. However, an x-ray is a 2 dimensional image, meaning that the roots could be in front or behind the sinus, but would appear on the x-ray as overlapping.

Therefore, it does not mean that a sinus communication is inevitable, but is always a possibility. Your dentist was right to inform you of this risk, which is usually quite low. However, it is his responsibility to inform you, regardless.

Hope that answers your questions!