Evidence of an increase in the incidence of odontogenic sinusitis over the last decade in the UK

Abstract

AbstractBackground:Dental disease is a recognised cause of sinusitis. We perceived an increased incidence of sinusitis secondary to dental disease in recent years. This study reviews the incidence of odontogenic sinusitis, its clinical features and treatment.Methods:Medical records of patients with odontogenic sinusitis were identified using the senior author's clinical database and Hospital Information Support System data (January 2004 to December 2009).Results:Twenty-six patients were identified, nine females and 17 males (age range, 17–73 years). Rhinorrhoea and cacosmia were the commonest symptoms (81 and 73 per cent, respectively), with presence of pus the commonest examination finding (73 per cent). Causative dental pathology included periapical infection (73 per cent), oroantral fistula (23 per cent) and a retained root (4 per cent). In all 26 cases, treatment resulted in complete resolution of symptoms; 21 (81 per cent) required sinus surgery. The number of patients with odontogenic sinusitis undergoing surgery has steadily increased, from no cases in 2004 to 10 in 2009 (accounting for 8 per cent of all patients requiring sinus surgery). Reduced access to dental care may be responsible.Conclusion:The incidence of odontogenic sinusitis appears to be increasing. The importance of assessing the oral cavity and dentition in patients with rhinosinusitis is therefore emphasised.