A Case of Subactue Maxillary Sinusitis due to Dental Material

Kim, Kyung Soo; Seo, Gang Wook; Kim, Jun Hee; Kim, Chun Gil

Abstract

Although chronic sinusitis is more often caused by the blockage of sinus ostia or the presence of an oroantral fistula, the disease is generally caused by dental problems. Although chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin is a rare entity when compared to sinus diseases of rhinogenic origin, it is extremely important to identify a dental etiology when it occurs. Chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin may be caused by the followings; chronic oroantral fistula (OAF), foreign bodies (dental fillings, teeth roots, parts of broken instruments, or packing materials) pushed through the root canal or OAF into the sinus, periapical granulomas or small inflammatory cysts of the molars and bicuspids, or large odontogenic cysts occupying total or subtotal space of the maxillary sinus. We report a case of unilateral subacute maxillary sinusitis associated with foreign body in the maxillary sinus. The foreign body in the maxillary sinus was dental Nu gauze. Dental Nu gauze helps to control bleeding and prevent pooling of wound fluid. Although endoscopic approach to chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin is a new, reliable method associated with less morbidity and lower incidence of complications, the operation was conducted mainly according to the Caldwell-Luc's method. Based on the findings of our case, we suggest that patient's dental problem history and dental state must be taken into consideration in cases where maxillary sinusitis is suspected.