Farhad Sigari, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Del Rey MD, said on Instagram that sinus inflammation may be the underlying cause of upper tooth pain and should be evaluated using scans to identify possible infection.
"Pain in the teeth is potentially related to the sinuses, especially if it's involving the upper teeth," said Dr. Farhad Sigari, according to Instagram. "The upper teeth sit just below the maxillary cheek sinuses. Inflammation in the bottom of the sinus can cause sensitivity in the teeth. We scan the sinuses to check for infection or inflammation in that area."
Tooth pain, particularly in the upper back teeth, can sometimes be attributed to sinusitis rather than dental issues. According to Healthline, this occurs when the maxillary sinuses, located just above the upper teeth, become inflamed or infected, exerting pressure on surrounding nerves. This type of pain is often mistaken for a cavity or dental abscess but typically worsens when bending over or moving the head. Treating the sinus infection usually alleviates the dental discomfort.
Chronic sinusitis affects an estimated 28.9 million adults in the United States, accounting for 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a leading cause of chronic illness and contributes to reduced quality of life due to symptoms such as facial pressure, congestion, headaches, and postnasal drip. Persistent sinus issues may also lead to secondary effects like fatigue and sleep disruption.
The CDC reports that chronic sinusitis results in approximately 4.1 million outpatient doctor visits and over 230,000 emergency department visits annually in the United States. This volume underscores the widespread burden of the condition and highlights the critical need for accurate diagnosis and effective treatments like minimally invasive procedures that can reduce recurrence and healthcare costs.
Sigari is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with a background in biomedical engineering from the University of California San Diego. He obtained medical degrees from Chicago Medical School where he received several honors including the Dean’s Award and Alpha Omega Alpha recognition. His training was completed at the University of Chicago, and he has been recognized as a "Best of the Best" Top Doctor by Los Angeles Magazine.
Del Rey MD is an ear, nose, and throat specialty clinic with locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield. The practice offers comprehensive care for conditions such as sinusitis, nasal obstruction, and ear disorders with an emphasis on modern minimally invasive treatments. Among these treatments is balloon sinuplasty—a procedure that uses a small balloon to open blocked sinus passages—improving drainage and relieving symptoms like congestion, sinus pressure, and referred tooth pain.
