Antibiotic prescribing
Acute sinusitis

Sinusitis often presents itself as toothache, particularly of the upper posterior teeth when the maxillary antrum is infected.

It is a short-term inflammation of the lining membranes of the nose and sinuses. This impedes mucus drainage. Acute sinusitis is most commonly occurs due to a cold caused by viral infection. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics.

The symptoms of sinusitis can mimic problems caused by parafunction (e.g. aching teeth, face), and the dentist must be sure they are not blaming sinusitis when there is actually an occlusal problem.

Sinusitis is usually self limiting, and treatment is palliative.

What palliative treatments are available?

If the symptoms are severe, or the patient is ill with other conditions (including long term diseases that for example cause breathing difficulty), the patient should be referred to a medical practitioner. CGDent advises that dentists should not prescribe antibiotics for this condition.