Evaluating tooth extraction as a stand-alone treatment for odontogenic sinusitis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are multiple treatment methods for odontogenic sinusitis (OS); however, the optimal treatment remains unclear. AIMS/OBJECTIVE: To determine the cure rate of OS after tooth extraction and the factors contributing to the cure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively identified 37 patients diagnosed with OS with an indication for causative tooth extraction. Before and three months after tooth extraction, the patients were assessed using sinus computed tomography and classified as either cured or uncured based on the absence or presence of soft tissue shadow in the maxillary sinus. The prognostic factors were analysed by comparing the two groups. RESULTS: There were ten patients for whom all data could be obtained. The mean age of the patients at the time of tooth extraction was 53.8 ± 12.9 years (range, 34-75 years). In seven patients, the soft tissue shadow in the maxillary sinus disappeared; these patients were classified as cured. Uncured patients were significantly younger than cured patients (59.9 vs. 39.7 years). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Tooth extraction effectively treated OS in 70% of patients. However, even after tooth extraction, OS may not improve, particularly in younger patients.