- Kevin M. Rice, MD
Tooth Root in the Maxillary Sinus
Updated: Jul 26, 2021
Sinus Pain after Dental Work • Xray of the Week
The accidental displacement of a root into the maxillary sinus is a recognized complication of exodontia. Such roots should normally be removed early rather than late in order to minimize the likelihood of maxillary sinus complications. In some cases, the sinus cavity can be irrigated with saline (antral lavage) and the tooth fragment may be brought back to the site of the opening through which it entered the sinus, and may be retrievable. At other times, a window must be made into the sinus in the Canine fossa--a procedure referred to as "Caldwell-Luc". A root left within the maxillary sinus may, on occasion, pass spontaneously into the nose.
Left image: Coronal CT of sinuses showing the empty right maxillary second molar tooth socket. (Tooth #2) and a portion of the tooth root in the right maxillary sinus.
Right image: Axial CT of sinuses showing a portion of the tooth root (tooth #2) in the right maxillary sinus. There is also bilateral maxillary sinus mucosal thickening.
Coronal CT of sinuses showing the empty right maxillary second molar tooth socket. (Tooth #2)
Coronal CT of sinuses showing the empty right maxillary second molar tooth socket. (Tooth #2) and a portion of the tooth root in the right maxillary sinus.
References:
1. Root in the maxillary sinus J.K. Barclay, M.D.S. (F.R.A.C.D.S.) University of Otago Otago, New Zealand. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology. Volume 64, Issue 2, August 1987, Pages 162–164
Kevin M. Rice, MD is the president of Global Radiology CME
Dr. Rice serves as the Medical Director of the Radiology Department of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California and is a radiologist with Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates. Dr. Rice has made several media appearances as part of his ongoing commitment to public education. Dr. Rice's passion for state of the art radiology and teaching includes acting as a guest lecturer at UCLA. In 2015 Dr. Rice founded Global Radiology CME to provide innovative radiology education at exciting international destinations, with the world's foremost authorities in their field.
