Differential Diagnosis for Sinus Pressure around Teeth
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Sinusitis: This is the most likely diagnosis because the sinuses are located close to the teeth, and inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause pressure and pain that is referred to the teeth.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dental problems (e.g., abscess, impaction, or infection): Dental issues can cause pain and pressure that may be perceived as coming from the sinuses.
- Gingivitis or periodontitis: Inflammation of the gums can cause pressure and pain around the teeth.
- Tooth decay or cracked tooth: These conditions can cause pain and sensitivity that may be mistaken for sinus pressure.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can cause sinus pressure and pain, along with other symptoms such as fever, headache, and eye pain.
- Orbital cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye that can cause sinus pressure, pain, and other symptoms such as eye swelling and vision changes.
- Malignancy (e.g., sinus or oral cancer): Although rare, cancer can cause sinus pressure and pain, and it is essential to rule out this possibility.
- Rare diagnoses
- Trigeminal neuralgia: A condition that causes sudden, severe facial pain, including pain around the teeth and sinuses.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: A condition that affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, causing pain and pressure in the face, including around the teeth and sinuses.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: A condition that affects the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, causing pressure and pain in the face, including around the teeth and sinuses.