Sinusitis of odontogenic origin: pathophysiological implications of early treatment.

Although sinusitis is a common condition its pathogenesis is not clearly understood and there is lack of consensus concerning its treatment and prevention. Sinusitis is regarded as being primarily rhinogenous in origin, and oral/dental infections are considered to be predisposing factors. A review of the literature suggests that many cases of recurrent acute sinusitis are due to secondary rhinogenous bacterial colonization of antral mucosa that have been weakened and degenerated by chronic dental infection/inflammation. Unless the underlying dental condition, which may be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, is diagnosed and treated, the value of antibiotic treatment in such cases is questionable. In order to halt disease progression and avoid excessive antibiotic treatment, early intervention (both preventive and therapeutic) is necessary. Further research is required to establish the sequence of events by which infection of odontogenic origin initiates degenerative changes in the antral mucosa, culminating eventually in sinusitis.