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How Can One Tell The Difference Between Sinus Infection And Tooth Infection?

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Posted on Fri, 9 Jan 2015
Question: how can you tell the difference between a sinus infection and a tooth issue? I had a cap put on a tooth last year. no problem with it. however 3 months ago I woke up one morning and my face was swollen from my eye to my mouth on one side only. Went to emergency care and they gave me prescription for antibiotic and said it was likely sinus infection. not tooth related. (Im paranoid about my teeth) Well I am showing the beginnings of the same symptoms. I never had issues with sinus problems before this
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
hard to tell sometimes

Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for your questions. Sometimes it is very difficult to tell the difference in an upper tooth infection and a sinus infection. The upper back teeth roots are very close to the maxillary sinuses. If you also smoke or have allergies this can make it more likely to get sinus infections. To definitively tell the difference you would have to get the dentist to do an xray and make sure that your tooth is not abscessed. Sometimes people also get sinus CT scans to show a sinus infection. Sinus infections should have a lot of nasal discharge and upper respiratory congestion that would not necessarily be there with a dental infection.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (11 hours later)
I do not have that much nasal discharge...feel plugged on the side of my face that is swollen. I am going to emergency care clinic this morning...and tomorrow consulting my dentist. I feel pressure
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Good Plan

Detailed Answer:
I Think that is a good plan. You need to figure out if the source is from your sinuses or your tooth. Good luck
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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How Can One Tell The Difference Between Sinus Infection And Tooth Infection?

Brief Answer: hard to tell sometimes Detailed Answer: hello and thanks for your questions. Sometimes it is very difficult to tell the difference in an upper tooth infection and a sinus infection. The upper back teeth roots are very close to the maxillary sinuses. If you also smoke or have allergies this can make it more likely to get sinus infections. To definitively tell the difference you would have to get the dentist to do an xray and make sure that your tooth is not abscessed. Sometimes people also get sinus CT scans to show a sinus infection. Sinus infections should have a lot of nasal discharge and upper respiratory congestion that would not necessarily be there with a dental infection.