Can a Root Canal Cause a Sinus Infection?

We had many patients worried about the possibility of getting a sinus infection from receiving root canal treatment.

The short answer to this question is that a root canal does not lead to a sinus infection. However, it's important to be aware of the complications that can arise after a root canal and how you can prevent them.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal treatment is when the dentist repairs a tooth that is damaged on the inside. This intervention is needed when the pulp of the tooth is infected and needs to be removed. The pulp of a tooth is formed by numerous tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. It's connected to the root of the tooth and if not treated in time, it can lead to root infection and the tooth might need to be removed entirely.

A root canal can help you save an infected tooth, even when it's severely damaged. 

Can You Get a Sinus Infection from an Infected Tooth? 

Yes, you can get a sinus infection from tooth decay that hasn't been treated on time. When you have an infection, the bacteria can travel up to your sinus. If you suffer from a more advanced tooth infection, the bacteria can actually travel all the way to the sinus, allowing for the infection to spread. 

How Is This Possible? 

A root canal cannot lead to a sinus infection directly. What can happen is that you might experience symptoms similar to a sinus infection after a root canal. This condition is known as Sinus Communication. 

This is caused by the proximity of your sinus tissue to the root of your teeth. Because they are close to each other, it’s possible for the dentist to poke the lining during the treatment, causing symptoms that feel like a sinus infection. 

If your notice symptoms like the ones below, get in touch with your Naperville dentist and let them know about them:

• Sinus press or re-congestion 
• A runny nose
• Post-nasal drip 
• Feeling discomfort on your tooth when air reaches it

Can This Issue Be Treated? 

If you are worried about your symptoms, know that these symptoms should go away by themselves within a few days. If these symptoms persist even for one week or more, contact your dentist as further treatment will be needed to treat the problem. 

If you have any further questions, get in touch with our Washington Dental Studio team.