Background and Objective Sinusitis of odontogenic source is common disease accounts for
about one tenth of cases of all maxillary sinusitis. Odontogenic sinusitis differs in its pathophysiology,
clinical manifestation and the management from sinusitis of other causes. As the advance
of dental procedure, the characteristics of odontogenic sinusitis are changing. The purpose of this
study was to define the characteristics of odontogenic sinusitis with respect to the pathophysiology
and management.
Subjects and Method Sixty two patients who were diagnosed to odontogenic sinusitis between
May 2000 and May 2008 were included. All the diagnosis was supported by both dentist
and otolaryngologist with objective data such as endoscopic exam and radiologic finding. All
the medical records were reviewed retrospectively.
Results Dental caries was most common cause of odontogenic sinusitis. Iatrogenic injuries
during invasive procedure such as tooth extraction and implants were considerable. Most commonly
presented symptom is facial discomfort. The surgical managements including local treatment
were needed over 80% of cases. Average follow up period was 15.7 months, no complication
was observed.
Conclusion The half of cases of odontogenic sinusitis was resulted from iatrogenic problem.
The combination of a medical and surgical approach is generally required for the treatment.