Osteomyelitis near the maxillary sinus: what to know

Osteomyelitis near the maxillary sinus is a serious bone infection requiring assessment of dental, sinus and facial causes. Pain or swelling in the cheek or upper jaw, tooth problems, foul drainage, nasal symptoms or a slow-healing extraction site should be evaluated by an appropriate clinician.

The maxillary sinus sits within the upper cheek area, close to the upper teeth and jawbone. Infection can involve a tooth, the sinus lining, the jawbone or more than one nearby structure. Assessment may include an oral and facial examination, dental review, blood tests and imaging such as a scan. These steps help distinguish bone infection from dental abscess, sinus inflammation or another cause of facial pain.

Arrange prompt dental, ear-nose-and-throat or medical assessment, depending on where symptoms began. Do not place unprescribed substances into a socket or rely on leftover antibiotics. Follow prescribed treatment exactly; care may involve antimicrobial medicine, dental treatment, drainage, removal of unhealthy tissue or repair of a bone defect. Bone Grafting may be discussed when reconstruction is needed after infected tissue is treated.

Seek urgent help for swelling around the eye, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing facial swelling, reduced alertness or inability to open the mouth normally. Fever may occur but is not required. Worsening symptoms after dental treatment or a recent facial injury also warrant quick review.

Ask whether the infection is in the jawbone, sinus or tooth, what imaging is needed, whether a sample should be tested, and which dental or surgical source must be treated. Ask how to care for the mouth and what changes require emergency attention.