Sinus or Abscess?

Question:

I suffer bad sinus problems most of the time.. I had the flu three weeks ago and it cleared up nicely just my sinus was left aching.. I've been fine for a few days with just an slightly ache jaw untill i woke up this morning. I woke up with this pressure pain on the right side of my cheek next to my nose and its very painful to touch and abit swollen.. My mum said it could be an abscess but my tooth dont hurt just this area is so painful, If i smile i get pain then pressure then its fine.. Im so confused if its my tooth or just my sinus being nasty.

Answers:
Hi Jennie,

Although it is very possibly a sinus problem. It would still be worth a visit to your Dentist. He/She should take and x-ray of the tooth, if it is an abcess it should show up on an x-ray. If the nerve has died causing an abcess (infected nerve tissue) the tooth will not necessarily be tender.

Either way the first thing you will need will be antibiotics, which the Dentist will be able to prescribe for you whether it;s a sinus or tooth problem.

Hope this helps!

This isn't something which can be diagnosed over the web.

If the pain and swelling persist go to A&E and get it shecked out (get someone to drive you or go by public transport if pos)

It may be something they can fix simply, either way you'll know!

if it is a bubble in shape and feels like it can be burst, it's an abscess. you should burst it immediately and try to let the fluid exit your mouth without swallowing any because that stuff is highly infective and can make you very sick if you swallow.

Jennie,

When this happened to me it was a very serious abcess and required a dental surgeon. It never did hurt in my tooth. See if it localizes to a tooth by tapping sharply on each tooth. Grit your teeth tightly with pressure and it could localize to a tooth. Even if it doesn't, it could still be a sinus abcess. See a Dr. or a Dentist. Good Luck : )

Calico.Kitty

Sounds like it could be sinus. Either way you should have it checked out. When it affects your face like that, you need antibiotic.

I reckon you are going to get a MASSIVE zit arrive tomorrow. OOer, thank god it isn't Friday, put a bit of toothpaste on it it'll be gone by the weekend!

Every time I get sinus problems it leads to an abscess in my upper cheek (in the root of my tooth). I've been for several root canals to try and fix this, but it keeps coming back.
Get some antibiotics and the pain/swelling will go away quickly.

Sounds like sinus built pressure,i also get tooth ache if i have a flu and are blocked up

Where you've described the pain, it sounds like a blocked/infected sinus - sinusitis. The pain will be from the pressure and the swelling will be from the body trying to fight any infection.

Best bet is to get it checked out by your doctor who will be able to help you get it unblocked, which will relieve the pressure, and will be able to give you antibiotics if necessary to clear up any infection.

As a dental nurse we see this dilemma at least once a week. It does sound very much like a sinus problem especially when you have a definate past history of it. Possibly pressing on the gum behind your very back upper teeth on that side, if this is tender too then it is more than likely your sinuses. Also sinus problems are also diagnosed by being tender to motion ie running up and down stairs or bending over this is due to the air sacs of the sinus cavity becomming filled with fluid. It is however definately a good idea to get it checked by a dentist who can x-ray the area to give you a definative answer. Good Luck but don't worry.

i had the same problem has u went 2 my dentist told that it was my sinus so went to my doctor got tablets still didnt make any difference went ba
ck and forth to my doctors and dentist in the end they found that i had a tiny hole in one of my teeth had a tiny fillling that took about 2 minutes to do havent had anymore pain since(touch wood).

sounds like your sinus rather than an abcess but see your GP to be sure

Sinus or Abscess?

Health Resources