Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 5/19/2006

Question
Dear Dr. Liewehr,

Recently I have been experiencing tooth pain on my upper left lateral tooth when you tap it or when I bite down on something. This has been going on for about 3 days now and as the days have gone by the tooth becomes more sensitive(painful) to touch. It is the only Toothe that hurts but I suspect it is a sinus infection because the tooth seems perfectly healthy. Also the fact that only an upper tooth hurts leads me to believe that the pain is not being caused by the tooth but by a sinus infection.

I have read from information I have gathered online that sinus infections are in most cases present when most of the upper teeth hurt and not just one, I am wondering if a sinus infection is a cause despite only one of my teeth hurting? Also do you recommend that I take anti-biotics now or do you think the pain will go away in a few more days?

Sincerely,
Leon  

Answer
If you mean your left lateral incisor, sinus pain is not a possibility, because the sinuses concerned are not near that tooth. It is true that often multiple, but usually only 2 or 3, contiguous teeth will be sensitive, but it really depends on the exact configuration of the pneumatization of your maxilla. I rarely prescribe antibiotics; you would need a purulent discharge or other signs for me to do that. Usually just a decongestant does the job. It is good to read the Internet, but you really need to see a dentist about this. Good luck.

Dr. Liewehr