Can a Tooth Extraction Cause a Sinus Infection?

Dental extractions can cause sinuses to become infected, which is why it is so important to follow a strictly planned aftercare protocol. Sinus infections can co-occur with oral problems, and oral problems can lead to sinus problems. Although tooth extractions are performed to eliminate a problem, they still cause discomfort. The body perceives all invasive procedures that cause trauma the same way and needs time to recover. 

In some cases, an emergency dental extraction may be needed to relieve intense pain or stop the spread of infection. These situations often involve upper molars, which sit close to the sinus cavities and can increase the risk of sinus-related complications. That’s why it’s especially important to follow proper aftercare. The good news is, if you’re in Wildomar, experienced dental professionals are available to handle urgent extractions with precision and care, helping reduce the chances of post-procedure issues like sinus infections.

How are sinuses affected by tooth extraction?

Unfortunately, sinus pain and pressure after wisdom teeth removal are not uncommon, particularly if the extraction involves upper back teeth, which are located near the maxillary sinuses. The roots of these teeth are often close to or extend into the sinus cavity. When a tooth is extracted, particularly if it’s a large tooth or the roots are long, there is a risk of creating a small opening between the mouth and the sinus, called a sinus communication or sinus perforation. In most instances, it heals naturally, but if it’s larger or fails to heal, it can lead to complications like sinus infections, requiring possible surgical correction.

In many cases, small sinus communications close naturally as the extraction site heals. However, if the perforation is larger or fails to close, it may lead to complications like chronic sinus infections or persistent air and fluid leakage. These situations might require medical intervention and possibly surgical correction.

How common is sinus trouble after an extraction?

Not very common at all. Complications like an oroantral perforation (sinus opening) or infection happen in only a small percentage of upper-tooth extractions. In general, if you follow aftercare instructions and the extraction is done by an experienced professional, the risk is low. Dentists perform countless extractions every day, and sinus issues are the exception, not the rule. It’s good to be aware, but rest assured it’s unlikely to happen to you.

What happens if your sinus is exposed after an extraction?

If your sinus becomes exposed after a tooth extraction, it’s important to recognize the signs and take appropriate steps. Some of the signs include:

• A sudden sensation of air passing from the mouth to the nose (or vice versa)
• Fluid leaking from the nose when drinking
• A whistling sound when breathing or speaking
• Unusual pressure or congestion in the sinus area
• Persistent pain or delayed healing

What to do if it happens

For small perforations

Minor sinus communications (typically less than 2 mm) often heal on their own with proper care. Dentists may recommend:

• Avoiding forceful sneezing or blowing your nose
• Using nasal decongestants to reduce sinus pressure
• Following a soft-food diet to avoid disrupting the healing site
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing

For larger or persistent openings

When the opening is significant or doesn’t heal naturally, treatment may involve:

• Sutures: The gum tissue may be stitched over the site to promote closure.
• Collagen plugs or membranes: These act as barriers to support tissue regeneration
• Surgical closure: In complex cases, an oral surgeon may perform a sinus repair procedure known as a buccal flap or other surgical graft techniques

Additional support

• Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent or treat any sinus infection
• Saline rinses and prescribed mouthwashes can help keep the area clean
• Protective dressings may be placed immediately after surgery to help seal the site and promote healing

Why are maxillary sinuses important in dental procedures?

Understanding maxillary sinus anatomy is a key to seeing why upper molar and premolar extractions can sometimes lead to sinus infections. These sinuses are air-filled spaces found behind the cheekbones and just above the upper teeth. For some people, the roots of the back upper teeth are separated from the sinus floor by only a very thin layer of bone — or sometimes, none at all.

When a tooth is removed, especially a second molar or wisdom tooth, this delicate barrier can be disturbed or even broken. If that happens, bacteria from the mouth can get into the sinus, potentially causing an infection. This type of sinus infection is known as odontogenic sinusitis, meaning it starts from a dental issue.

Because of this close connection between the mouth and sinus, delayed healing or poor oral hygiene after an extraction can raise the risk of infection. To accurately diagnose and assess how much of the sinus is affected, advanced imaging like a cone beam CT scan is often needed to guide the right treatment.

Is sinus pressure normal after tooth extraction?

Tooth extractions can be unavoidable. Having a tooth removed may be the only reliable way to eliminate risks to a person’s oral, dental and general health. But however expertly performed, both standard and surgical tooth extractions are still invasive interventions. Post-surgical effects may include: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Infections. 

All these symptoms will subside with time, but not all patients will make progress toward full recovery at the same rate. 

Once the pain relief medication begins to wear off, you may become drowsy. This is your body’s way of signaling you to get plenty of bedrest and allow it time to heal. If you are experiencing any discomfort in the aftermath of your dental extraction procedure, you can take over-the-counter painkillers. 

How to tell if your tooth extraction is causing your sinus problem?

Not all discomfort after an upper tooth extraction is abnormal. However, being able to distinguish between typical post-operative pain and signs of a sinus infection is vital for timely treatment. Many patients wonder if pulling a tooth causes sinus problems, and when it comes to upper molars located near the sinus cavities, the answer is yes.

Symptoms of a sinus infection related to a dental extraction might include:

• Persistent facial pain or pressure, especially around the cheeks or under the eyes
• Nasal discharge that is yellow or green, indicating infection
• Post-nasal drip with a bad taste or odor
• Reduced sense of smell or congestion
• Swelling in the cheek or around the eye
• Fever or general malaise in more severe cases

These symptoms usually begin a few days after the procedure, once the initial swelling subsides and the bacterial infection begins to develop. If any of these signs are present, it’s essential to consult a dental or ENT specialist. Early intervention, often with antibiotics and sinus rinses, can prevent more invasive treatments such as surgical closure of a sinus opening.

What should I do if I think I have a sinus infection after an extraction?

The first thing you should do is reach out to your dentist or oral surgeon. Don’t try to wait it out, especially if your symptoms are getting worse. Your dentist will likely want to take a closer look to see if the sinus is involved. If there’s any sign of infection, they may prescribe antibiotics to clear it up and might also recommend a decongestant or saline nasal rinse, though rinses aren’t always safe if there’s an open hole, so they’ll guide you on that.

Be sure to follow all their instructions carefully. That means taking the full course of any antibiotics and showing up for all follow-up visits. If there’s a confirmed opening into the sinus, your dentist will give you specific do’s and don’ts, like not blowing your nose, and may place stitches or a small dressing over the area to help it heal. In some cases, especially if the infection lingers or a deeper sinus clean-out is needed, they might refer you to an ENT specialist. 

When to seek specialist care (Dentist vs. ENT)

Most post-extraction sinus issues can be managed by your dentist, especially if the problem is mild or caught early. However, knowing when to get additional help from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can make a big difference in recovery.

For instance, if the infection doesn’t respond to medication, or if you’re dealing with ongoing sinus pressure, drainage, or discomfort, it may be time to involve an ENT. These specialists can evaluate whether the sinus needs to be drained or, in more serious cases, surgically repaired. Persistent or complex infections that originate from dental work (called odontogenic sinus infections) often require a team approach, with both your dentist and an ENT working together to ensure full healing.

How do you relieve sinus pressure after tooth extraction?

When a patient has an infection or cavity in a maxillary molar, which are molars located in the upper jawbone, these teeth may need to be extracted. Molars are the flat teeth located at the back of the mouth and originally intended for chewing food. 

Wisdom teeth or the third molars are no longer of any use to us, and they often carry the risk of complications due to being difficult to reach and keep clean, which is why they are often removed whether due to improper growth, decay, insufficient space in the mouth, or a combination of factors. 

In other words, wisdom teeth are more likely to be extracted than other molars. However, this can have a direct impact on the sinuses and cause an infection, due to the close proximity of these upper teeth and the sinus cavities. 

At-home tips

There are a few things you can do at home to ease sinus pressure after a tooth extraction. A cold compress on your cheek can help with swelling, especially in the first couple of days. Some people find that gently massaging the sinus areas helps relieve tension. Staying hydrated is also important, it keeps mucus thin and helps your body heal. If your dentist says it’s okay, you might try a saline nasal spray or rinse to keep your sinuses clear. In some cases, an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine can help reduce pressure, but always check with your provider before using anything new.

How long does it take for sinus to heal after tooth extraction?

The healing of the sinus opening should go smoothly within 2 to 4 weeks following the dental extraction. But if there is an impediment to the recovery and healing process, the patient may need to explore viable surgical or alternative treatment options. In case you notice sinus and eye pain long after tooth extraction, or symptoms like blocked ear, sore throat, or bad breath don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for a check-up.

Why won’t my sinus infection heal after an extraction?

If your sinus infection isn’t going away after a tooth extraction, there may be more going on beneath the surface. One possibility is a small opening between your mouth and sinus, called an oro-antral fistula, that didn’t close properly on its own. If that’s the case, a minor surgical procedure may be needed to seal it so the area can fully heal.

Another potential cause is a tiny root tip or bone fragment left behind during the extraction. These pieces can irritate the sinus lining and keep the infection going until they’re removed. In such cases, your dentist, oral surgeon, or even an ENT specialist may need to step in to clear out the source of irritation.

Will an exposed sinus heal on its own?

When you are having your upper molars extracted, there is a risk of sinus exposure. This complication can happen when a hole opens into the maxillary sinus. Although the likelihood of this happening is low, if it does happen, repair work needs to be done. 

In order to avoid and reduce the risk of sinus exposure, an oral surgeon will take a look at the patient’s dental X-ray, enabling them to pinpoint the exact location of this and other important anatomical structures and avoid them during the actual intervention.

What are the precautions for sinuses after tooth extraction?

Here are some key guidelines:

• Avoid blowing your nose: Blowing your nose can increase pressure in your sinus cavity, which might cause or worsen a sinus communication (an opening between the mouth and the sinus). If you need to sneeze, try to do so with your mouth open to reduce pressure.
• Do not use straws: Using a straw can create negative pressure in the mouth, which may disturb the blood clot in the extraction site and interfere with the healing of any sinus involvement.
• Limit physical exertion: Strenuous activities or heavy lifting can increase pressure in your sinuses and the extraction site. Avoid these activities for at least a few days after the procedure to allow proper healing.
• Avoid smoking or vaping: Smoking can delay healing, increase the risk of infection, and cause dry socket, which can complicate healing further. Avoid smoking for at least 48-72 hours after the procedure, or longer if possible.

How do oral surgeons prevent sinus complications?

Since upper teeth, especially the back molars, are located close to the maxillary sinus, oral surgeons take extra care during extraction to avoid disturbing it. One common technique is gently sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces before removal. This allows the surgeon to avoid using too much force, which could accidentally impact the sinus floor.

In many cases, they also place a socket preservation bone graft after the extraction. This not only supports proper healing but helps strengthen the thin bone separating the tooth socket from the sinus cavity. Some surgeons even use bone graft material proactively as a barrier, sealing off the area to prevent any direct connection between the mouth and the sinus from forming.

Is there anything you can do to prevent sinus problems when you get a tooth extracted?

Yes, and it starts with choosing an experienced dentist or oral surgeon. A skilled expert will use imaging to understand your anatomy and take the right precautions to avoid disturbing the sinus. That might mean sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces to avoid pulling too close to the sinus floor or placing regenerative materials in the socket to support healing.

From your side, one of the best ways to prevent complications is to follow all the pre- and post-op instructions carefully. That includes keeping your mouth clean as directed, avoiding smoking, and holding off on anything that puts pressure on the area—like heavy nose blowing or using straws. Staying well-rested, hydrated, and nourished also helps your body heal faster.

If you’re someone who frequently deals with sinus problems, be sure to let your dentist know in advance. They may recommend a gentle saline nasal spray after surgery to keep things clear, but only use it if they give the go-ahead.

The good news? Most people have zero sinus issues after an extraction. With the right care and attention, there’s no reason you can’t be one of them.

The two-way connection between sinuses and teeth

Most people hear about dental issues causing sinus problems, like a tooth extraction leading to a sinus infection, but it actually works the other way too. Sinus infections, especially chronic ones, can sometimes feel just like a toothache. Pressure in the maxillary sinuses (the ones behind your cheeks) can make your upper back teeth ache or feel sore, even when there’s nothing wrong with the teeth themselves.

It’s also possible for wisdom teeth, especially if they’re impacted, to put pressure on your sinuses and cause pain or congestion. Some dentists even mention sinus discomfort as one of the signs that it might be time to remove them.

Understanding that your sinuses and teeth are closely connected can help you make sense of confusing symptoms, and avoid unnecessary dental work. It’s always a good idea to mention sinus issues when talking to your dentist so they can take the full picture into account.

Emergency dental extractions in Wildomar and nearby areas

Dr. Tsvetov has handled a variety of complex cases throughout his rich career. Regardless of the degree of complexity of a surgical intervention patients in Wildomar and other parts of Riverside County may require, they can rest assured that you are in good hands. If you are in pain or enduring any kind of discomfort, rest assured that we have the solution. Contact us and let us guide you through the evaluation, treatment and aftercare protocol and toward recovery!