Though not everyone has them, for most people, their third set of molars or wisdom teeth will start to make an appearance in early adulthood. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to cause problems. They’re prone to cavities, can be the source of pain and, in many cases, they don’t have enough room to come in properly. All of these scenarios can have a slew of unpleasant consequences. However, one side effect that not everyone realizes can be linked to their wisdom teeth is trouble with the sinuses. As surprising as it may seem, this is sometimes a reason why people get their wisdom teeth extracted. Here’s what you should know about wisdom teeth and sinus problems.

Can wisdom teeth cause sinus issues?

The first thing to understand is that you can absolutely get sinus pain from your upper wisdom teeth. This is because you don’t just have sinuses around your nose and eyes, you also have sinuses located further back in your upper jaw. As wisdom teeth grow in, they can put pressure on your sinuses, causing pain and congestion. This can also lead to recurring sinus headaches. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, be sure to let your dentist know.

Can wisdom teeth cause sinus infection?

If wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain, does it mean that they can actually cause a sinus infection? In some cases, the answer is yes. This can happen when an infection from your tooth spreads to the nearby sinuses. Symptoms of a sinus infection include fever, pain, bad breath, nasal discharge and swelling in your cheekbones. You may also experience an increase in pain when you lie down. If you think you have a sinus infection caused by your wisdom teeth, it’s important to seek treatment immediately.

Book a dentist appointment in Red Deer

If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with our team at Parkland Mall Dental Centre. Our dentists can assess whether or not your wisdom teeth require removal. They can also answer any questions you might have about the tooth extraction process and about how your wisdom teeth can affect your sinuses. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we can schedule the tooth extraction at our clinic where we’ll make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. If necessary, we will refer you to an oral surgeon. If you’d like to make an appointment or get more information about the services we offer, contact us today.