Maxillary sinus infection
 

I've been having sinus infections every four months or so. They usually respond quickly to antibiotics.Not so with the current one.

I had dental problems and the dx of Sjogrens recently.
I was going to the dentist faithfully every six months for years.
When I switched dentists, I discovered I had cracked teeth.
3 and 14 are cracked. I recently had one of them filled. No problems.
But , a good ten days ago I got a sinus infection and its not responding well to antibiotics. I took an X-ray and the impression reads:
"Density in the base of both maxillary sinuses. Probably related to the roots of dentition. Please correlate. Clinically."

I called my dentist. She said to finish the antibiotics, and if I still had discomfort, she would give me more, then send me to an endodontist.
I called an oral surgeon and he said I had to go to an Ent.
I have an apt. With an ENT later today and there is no doubt in my mind he will tell me to go see a dentist.

What to do? I REALLY don't trust this field. I suspect the teeth have to come out, but with my Sjorgrens and history of nerve problems, plus debatably qualified dental professionals....I'm frightened again. What is my next move and why?

Hi Vowel Lady,

I am not certain what the radiographic interpretation means exactly. Density on an x-ray pertains to the "dark" areas of the film, which in many instances means the area is normal. Density in the bone can indicate infection. Healthy sinuses always look dark. Perhaps it means that there is close proximity between the sinus and the roots of your posterior teeth? What did the ENT say about the radiographic findings?

Sinus infections in general can be very difficult to eradicate. Especially if they are chronic. Frequently antibiotics only temporarily suppress the symptoms because the culprit of the infection has not been diagnosed.

Before we go any further with this... what did the ENT say?

Bryanna

The ENT, to my surprise, also said that was a weird finding and description. He looked at the X-ray himself and said that my sinuses looked good and perhaps the density mentioned were only shadows. Also, perhaps my symptoms this time were allergy. He wants me off antibiotics!

Yesterday when I saw him, I was very fatigued and it is worse This morning. It is difficult to do simple things.

The first doctor had given me a rather high dosage of Augmentin and that wrecked my stomach...I only took it for perhaps five days. Then, I went to my gp, who gave me Bactrim. The ENt thought both of my prescriptions were inappropriate. He was disturbed by my extreme fatigue and recommended I stop the Bactrim and just use the Flonase and Saline spray.

He ordered a CBC and Chem 24. I hope to take that today. He is concerned about my fatigue. However, I have heard that sinus infections can cause fatigue. I have heard that infected upper molars can cause SI. And, with my Lupus and Sojgrens, I can get fatigued on antibiotics...so it is very confusing.

I have an appt. Wed. With a different dentist. Someone I know with Soj. Syn. Swears by this guy. On Thurs. I have an appt. at a major, well known, big time, big name medical facility with an ENT.

As a side note, my gp was a little worried about infection of the bone. But after the X-ray came in, her office said it was a dental issue.

BTW, I'm kicking around calling the radiologist myself for a better explanation.

Hi Vowel lady
 

Keep doing your homework like you are, trying to find out what is really going on. Hope your dentist, and specialists are forthright with information to help you. ginnie:hug: