Classification and treatment protocol of odontogenic sinusitis: a proposal

What is it about?

Odontogenic sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses due to other dental conditions. It is a fairly common disease, which can be acute (i.e. lastin less than 4 weeks) or chronic (i.e. lasting more than 12 weeks) and it is commonly related to spread of teeth infection. Nevertheless, problems concerning dental implants or other implant-related procedures (such as adding bone to allow for implant placements) can induce "odontogenic" sinusitis. Since the term "odontogenic" comes from the greek word that means "tooth", infections spreading from implants and such cannot be properly called "odontogenic". Thus we introduced the borader term "sinonasal complications of dental disease and treatment". The article explains what these complications are, proposes a classification which can be useful for all clinician and patients alike and finally proposes a successful treatment protocol in over 250 patients.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This is the first article to refer modernly to the concept of odontogenic sinusitis, encompassing complications which stem from teeth, implants and maxillary sinus augmentation procedure and common dental procedures. The proposed classification and treatment protocol is sound, after successfully treating over 250 patients. This article provides both a surgical guide and a useful clinical reference allowing specialists dealing with these complication to employ a "common language" in which to refer to this protean nosological entitity.