12500 Reed Hartman Hwy Suite 110
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Get Directions

How to tell the Difference Between Sinus Pressure & Tooth Crown Pain

Seated woman with her head bowed and both hands covering her face.

Are you suffering from tooth crown pain? Do you need to see an emergency dentist? Hold on a sec, because you might actually be suffering from sinus pain. The truth is that sinus pressure can mimic the same symptoms of toothache. Well, it can actually straight up cause a toothache.

But how do you know for sure? Is your toothache just sinus pressure or do you need to see an emergency dentist? This guide will walk you through it.

What is a Sinus Toothache?

Toothaches caused by sinus pressure the maxillary sinuses intrude on the space behind your upper back teeth — located just above the upper jaws and inside the cheekbone. When these sinuses become infected, they swell and put pressure on the roots of your teeth, causing pain that’s very similar to tooth pain. In fact, toothaches resulting from sinus infections are quite often mistaken for wisdom tooth pain or impacted wisdom tooth pain.

How to Tell the Difference Between “Real” Toothaches & Sinus Pain

It can be very difficult to tell the difference, but there are some telltale signs:

  • Do you have nasal or sinus congestion?
  • Do you have drainage in your throat?
  • Do you feel pain in only the upper back teeth?
  • Is more than one tooth affected?

If any of these are the case, chances are you merely have sinus pain and don’t need to see an emergency dentist. However, you do have a sinus infection, so you should probably go call your doctor.

Not Sure if Your Toothache is Rooted in Your Teeth? Call Us!

If you’re not sure you’ve determined the cause of your toothache, or your tooth crown pain doesn’t go away right away, or if it’s too intense, it’s best to call us for an emergency dental appointment. We can get you in right away and tell you exactly what’s going on.

Looking For A Family Dentist In Cincinnati?

MENU