“THE BROKEN TOOTH” – Case Series on Unilateral Maxillary Sinusitis

Abstract

Unilateral maxillary sinusitis of dental origin is a common condition encountered in both otorhinolaryngology and dental practice. Failure to recognize odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) may result in persistent or intractable sinusitis with potentially serious complications. This article presents a case series of four patients with unilateral maxillary sinusitis of odontogenic origin. The cases involved retained or broken teeth acting as foreign bodies within the maxillary sinus or untreated dental pathology. Patients were managed with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), removal of the offending dental pathology, and appropriate antibiotic therapy, leading to symptomatic improvement. The authors emphasize the importance of considering odontogenic causes in patients presenting with unilateral sinonasal symptoms and highlight the need for combined ENT and dental management to prevent recurrence.