Dental Sinusitis Treatment in Stockholm – Sinus Perforation & Tooth-Related Sinus Pain

If you need dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm, the cause may be an infected upper tooth, a failed root canal, gum infection around an upper molar, or a small opening between the mouth and the sinus after extraction. These conditions can create one-sided sinus pressure, toothache, bad taste, nasal symptoms, or fluid passing between the mouth and nose.

At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm, we assess tooth-related sinus problems with a structured dental and oral-surgery approach. The aim is to identify the dental source, reduce infection risk, protect the maxillary sinus, and support predictable healing. When needed, we coordinate further assessment with medical or ENT care.

This page explains dental sinusitis, sinus perforation, oral-antral communication, treatment options, aftercare, and when to seek urgent dental help.

Reviewed by: Gloss & Floss Dental Care. Last updated: May 2026.

What is dental sinusitis?

Dental sinusitis, also called odontogenic sinusitis or tooth-related sinusitis, occurs when infection or inflammation from an upper tooth affects the maxillary sinus. The roots of upper premolars and molars can sit very close to the sinus floor. This means that a dental infection may feel like sinus pressure, cheek pain, nasal blockage, or upper jaw discomfort.

Dental sinusitis is often one-sided. It may be linked to deep decay, an infected tooth nerve, a failed or leaking root canal, periodontal disease around upper teeth, or complications after dental surgery.

Because ordinary sinusitis and dental sinusitis can feel similar, a focused dental assessment is important. Treating only the sinus symptoms without addressing the dental source may lead to repeated symptoms.

What is a sinus perforation after tooth extraction?

A sinus perforation can occur when an upper premolar or molar is removed and a small communication forms between the mouth and the maxillary sinus. This is called an oral-antral communication or OAC.

Small openings can sometimes close with protective measures and careful follow-up. Larger openings, infected openings, or openings that persist may require surgical closure to prevent an oroantral fistula.

If you notice air, fluid, or pressure moving between your mouth and nose after an extraction, do not test the area by forcing air through the nose. Contact a dentist for assessment.

Dental sinusitis treatment Stockholm – symptoms to watch for

Symptoms may be dental, sinus-related, or both. The pattern of symptoms often gives important clues about the source.

• One-sided facial pressure or cheek pain
• Pain in upper back teeth when chewing or tapping
• Blocked sinus feeling on one side
• Bad taste or foul smell from the nose or mouth
• Post-nasal drip or discharge with unpleasant taste
• Swelling around an upper tooth or gum
• Persistent symptoms after upper molar extraction
• Air or liquid passing between the mouth and nose
• Symptoms that do not improve with ordinary sinus treatment

Common dental causes of sinus problems

Dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm starts by identifying the dental source. The most common causes include:

• Untreated cavities in upper premolars or molars
• Infected tooth nerve or abscess near the root tip
• Failed, leaking, or incomplete root canal treatment
• Persistent infection after root canal treatment that may need apical surgery
• Periodontal infection around upper teeth
• Extraction of upper molars or premolars close to the sinus floor
• Implant or surgical procedures in the upper jaw region
• Previous sinus lift or bone-related treatment requiring follow-up

If the issue is linked to a tooth infection, the dental source must be managed for lasting improvement. If symptoms are mainly acute dental pain, see our guide to emergency toothache in Stockholm.

How we diagnose dental sinusitis and sinus perforation

Diagnosis should be structured. It is not enough to look only at the sinus symptoms. We assess the teeth, gums, extraction site, sinus-related signs, and imaging findings together.

1. Dental and sinus history: we ask about toothache, previous root canal treatment, recent extraction, nasal symptoms, bad taste, and one-sided pressure.
2. Clinical dental examination: teeth are checked for decay, cracks, tenderness, swelling, gum pockets, and signs of infection.
3. Tooth testing: when relevant, we assess whether a tooth nerve may be inflamed or infected.
4. Imaging: dental X-rays help identify root infection, bone changes, root canal problems, or extraction-related findings.
5. 3D assessment when needed: if the anatomy is complex or sinus involvement must be clarified, CBCT can be arranged or requested as part of planning.
6. ENT coordination: if symptoms suggest broader sinus disease or combined care is needed, ENT assessment may be recommended.

You can read more about diagnostic support on our dental imaging page.

Dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm

The right treatment depends on the dental source, sinus involvement, and whether the affected tooth can be saved. Our goal is to remove or control the source of infection while protecting the sinus.

After the infection has resolved and healing is stable, long-term replacement can be discussed if a tooth has been removed. Options may include dental implants, bridgework, or another solution depending on the case.

Sinus perforation management after extraction

A suspected sinus perforation should be assessed early. The treatment depends on the size of the opening, whether the sinus is infected, how long the opening has been present, and whether there is a risk of a persistent fistula.

• Small OAC: may be managed with careful suturing, sinus precautions, and follow-up.
• Moderate or larger OAC: may need surgical closure with a local tissue flap.
• Persistent opening or OAF: usually requires more structured surgical management.
• Infected sinus: may need medication, dental source control, and possible ENT coordination.
• Future implant planning: should wait until the sinus and bone have healed properly.

Our team manages these problems within our oral surgery service, with a focus on gentle technique, clear aftercare, and predictable healing.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery depends on the diagnosis and treatment performed. Dental sinusitis linked to a tooth infection may improve after the dental source is treated. A sinus perforation requires careful protection during healing.

• Follow all written aftercare instructions from the clinic.
• Use prescribed rinses or medication as directed.
• Sleep slightly elevated during the first nights if recommended.
• Avoid nose blowing and pressure changes after OAC closure.
• Keep the area clean without disturbing the healing site.
• Return for follow-up so healing can be checked.

If pain, swelling, fever, or foul drainage increases instead of improving, contact the clinic for advice.

When should you see a dentist, and when is ENT care needed?

Start with a dental assessment if symptoms are connected to an upper tooth, a recent extraction, root canal treatment, dental implant planning, or one-sided upper jaw pain. A dentist can identify whether there is a tooth infection, OAC, failed root canal, or another dental source.

ENT care may be needed when sinus disease is persistent, widespread, recurrent despite dental source control, or when nasal and sinus findings suggest a non-dental cause. In complex cases, dental and ENT care may work together.

Planning future implants or sinus lift after healing

After dental sinusitis or sinus perforation, future implant treatment should be planned carefully. The sinus must be healthy and the bone must be suitable before implant placement.

If bone height in the upper jaw is limited, a sinus lift may be considered later. Timing is individual and depends on infection control, soft tissue healing, bone conditions, and the long-term restorative plan.

We will explain whether a future implant is realistic, whether bone support needs improvement, and when it is safe to proceed.

Why choose Gloss & Floss for dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm?

• Focused dental diagnosis: we look for the dental source behind sinus symptoms.
• Oral surgery experience: sinus perforation and OAC cases are assessed with a surgical mindset.
• Clear treatment planning: we explain whether the tooth can be saved or whether extraction is more predictable.
• Integrated care: root canal, apical surgery, extraction, OAC management, sinus lift, and implant planning can be considered together.
• English-speaking team: explanations, aftercare, and planning can be provided clearly in English.
• Calm Södermalm clinic: professional dental care in a reassuring Dental-SPA environment.

Related services at Gloss & Floss

• Root canal treatments
• Apical surgery
• Oral surgery
• Dental imaging
• Emergency dental care
• Emergency toothache in Stockholm
• Dental implants
• Sinus lift

External resources

• American Association of Endodontists – maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin
• Clinical review on oroantral communication and oroantral fistula management

FAQ – Dental sinusitis and sinus perforation

Book dental sinusitis treatment in Stockholm

If you have one-sided sinus pressure, upper tooth pain, symptoms after an upper molar extraction, or signs of a sinus perforation, book an assessment at Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm. We will identify whether the source is dental, explain the treatment options, and help you plan the safest next step.

This page provides general information about dental sinusitis and sinus perforation. It does not replace individual diagnosis by a dentist, oral surgeon, or ENT specialist.