How Do Maxillofacial Surgeons Treat Sinusitis?

Maxillofacial surgeons are the go-to healthcare professionals for patients who need complex emergency dental extractions in Wildomar and the area. But can they help with sinus issues? 

Sinusitis or an inflammation of the sinuses is normally caused by catching the common cold or allergies. This can lead to blockage, as the cavities become filled with fluid. 

The blockage can, in turn, lead to infections. We can differentiate between chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis. Although they have similar signs and symptoms, there is one key difference: acute sinusitis is temporary, whereas a chronic one can span three months or even longer, despite treatment.

Does maxillofacial surgery include sinuses?

Maxillofacial surgery is surgery for the face, head, neck, and jaw. This advanced form of surgery extends beyond oral surgery. In short, the answer is yes, maxillofacial surgery does include sinuses. 

Patients with sinusitis in the Wildomar area may need to see a doctor if: 

• They’ve had sinusitis multiple time
• The recurring condition has been unresponsive to treatment
• The symptoms of sinusitis last more than 10 days
• There is little improvement to the symptoms

Risk factors and causes of chronic sinusitis 

Medical conditions that may cause or raise the risk of developing a chronic sinusitis include: 

• Nasal polyps
• Deviated nasal septum
• Respiratory tract infections
• Allergies such as hay fever
• Asthma
• A dental infection
• A fungal infection
• Tumors
• Any immune system disorder
• Sensitivity to aspirin
• Frequent exposure to pollutants

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include: 

• Nasal inflammation
• Nasal congestion
• Nasal and postnasal drainage
• Pain, tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
• Decreased sense of smell and taste

Sinusitis can also be accompanied by ear pain, headache, and localized aching in the upper jaw and teeth. Additionally, the person may suffer from a cough and a sore throat, struggle with bad breath which may be caused by a bacterial infection, as well as fatigue. A patient with all of these signs and symptoms can easily misdiagnose themselves as coming down with the common cold. However, the only way to avoid the potential complications of chronic sinusitis is to seek urgent medical attention. 

Can you treat sinusitis without antibiotics?

A sinus infection is likely to go away considerably faster after the patient completes a course of antibiotics. Other options include:

• Flushing the sinuses
• Nasal spray
• Humidifier
• Steam
• High water intake
• Getting plenty of rest
• Taking vitamin C
• Eating spicy foods
• Inhalation

Do oral surgeons do sinus surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform sinus surgery using a nasal endoscope. This is a routine procedure which may be used to treat chronic sinusitis if the symptoms become aggravated and the condition goes on for too long.

If and when necessary, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can also perform a complex procedure known as the sinus lift or sinus augmentation. The purpose of this surgery is to add sufficient bone mass to the maxilla, which is the upper jawbone. This is typically the case with patients with missing or failing teeth who are looking for a viable long-term dental replacement option. 

Namely, adequate bone density is critical to the quality of support and duration of dental implants, which is why many patients who are initially diagnosed with inadequate bone volume for dental implants may still get what is by far the most sophisticated and the most durable dental restoration solution if they undergo the sinus lift surgery beforehand. 

Emergency dental extractions and other interventions in Wildomar and the area

While no one ideally wants to have their teeth removed, sometimes there is no other choice but to go through with a dental extraction, as this may be the only safe and effective way to eliminate discomfort and various health risks. When extraction becomes inevitable, the best thing to do is turn to an experienced and knowledgeable oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist who can relieve your pain and discomfort and protect you against complications. Contact us today!