For long-standing cases, collaboration with ENT specialists is crucial. Antibiotics and nasal corticosteroids can help manage inflammation, but clinicians can consider the need for endoscopic sinus surgery to repair structural damage and restore proper drainage. A multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care and reduces the likelihood of recurrence. Despite the link between dental infections and sinusitis, a disconnect often exists between dental and medical care. Many ENT specialists and primary care physicians are unaware of the prevalence of odontogenic sinusitis, resulting in repeated misdiagnoses and prolonged patient suffering. Dental professionals play a pivotal role in bridging this gap. By educating their medical colleagues about the potential dental origins of sinusitis, establishing referral pathways, and incorporating advanced imaging techniques into practice, dentists can foster a collaborative approach to patient care. This partnership is essential for ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses, as well as effective treatment plans. Prevention of MSDO Prevention of MSDO begins with proactive dental care. Regular checkups and early intervention are critical for identifying and treating infections before they spread to the sinus. Using CBCT imaging to evaluate endodontically treated maxillary molars, helps identify subtle lesions that might otherwise go undetected. Patient education is also important. Many individuals are unaware of the connection between oral health and sinus health. Explaining this relationship empowers patients to seek timely dental evaluations for unresolved sinus symptoms, reducing the risk of prolonged discomfort and complications. MSDO represents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for dental professionals. By understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and using advanced diagnostic tools, dentists and endodontists can play a central role in addressing this condition. Effective and efficient MSDO management results from collaboration with medical colleagues and a commitment to patient education and preventive care. Dental professionals’ unique position when evaluating patients with unresolved sinus symptoms allows them to consider factors beyond the sinuses and address the root cause, providing lasting relief and transforming lives. Photo 4: Radiograph, January 2024 Photo 5: Radiograph, April 2024 Photo 6: Significant reduction in mucosal thickening. Moderate mucosal thickening persists. Patient is asymptomatic. April 2024 Hear more from Dr. Dabuleanu on MSDO on CDA Oasis: bit.ly/3Fe5PHT References 1. Lin J, Wang C, Wang X, Chen F, Zhang W, Sun H, et al. Expert consensus on odontogenic maxillary sinusitis multi-disciplinary treatment. Int J Oral Sci. 2024 Feb 1;16(1):11. 2. Psillas G, Papaioannou D, Petsali S, Dimas GG, Constantinidis J. Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis: A comprehensive review. J Dent Sci. 2021 Jan;16(1):474-81. 3. Yoo BJ, Jung SM, Lee HN, Kim HG, Chung JH, Jeong JH. Treatment strategy of odonotgenic sinusitis. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2021. 35 206-12. 4. Lu Y, Liu Z, Zhang L, Zhou X, Zheng Q, Duan X, et al. Associations between maxillary sinus mucosal thickening and apical periodontitis using cone beam CT computed tomography scanning: a retrospective study. J Endod. 2012 Aug;38(8):1069-74. 5. Longhand A. B et al. Clinical Aspects of Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis: a case series. Int Forum of Allergy & Rhinology Vol 1 No 5 Sept/Oct 2011 6. Kwiatkowska M.A. Do Symptoms Correlate with the Signs in Odontogenic Sinusitis with Periodical Lesions? ORL July 2022. www.karger.com/orl 7. AAE Position Statement- Maxillary Sinusitis of Endodontic Origin 2018 28 | 2025 | Issue 3 Supporting Your Practice
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