Ask a doctor on the topic of Otorhinolaryngology

Swelling in the mouth and sinusitis?

April 21, 2017 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

Hello,

I have been experiencing symptoms on the right side of my face for 3 weeks. It started with intense tingling and mild pain all over. At first, I thought it was a tooth issue, as the tingling and pain extended from the upper jaw to the temple and above the eye. I visited 2 dentists, but they did not find anything significant. I have also had swelling on the right inner side of the upper jaw near tooth 14-15 for a few weeks. Both dentists didn't know what it was and just advised me to monitor it. An ENT diagnosed me with a sinus infection and prescribed me Amoxicillin. However, he suspects that the infection may be related to a tooth, as there was no previous cold. He has not yet examined the swelling in my mouth. Now, the antibiotic will be finished tomorrow (1 week) and the constant tingling in the right temple and occasional pulling in the jawbone is still present. The swelling on the gum has not subsided, and I am starting to worry that it could be something malignant, as the swelling is hard. A few weeks ago, my entire jaw was X-rayed for another reason, but from the outside. Shouldn't a malignant change have been visible by now? I am slowly running out of ideas on what to do next, which doctor to visit, or what it could be. Can anyone help me?

Christian Welsch

Dear questioner,

I find the idea of a malignant story unlikely, unfortunately you did not mention your age or whether you smoke. Tumors are more likely to occur after long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor oral hygiene.

If symptoms persist despite antibiotics, I would recommend seeing an ENT specialist again and showing them the swelling in your mouth. The findings should be clarified with a CT scan if they cannot be clearly explained. It is much more likely to be a cyst or osteoma, meaning a benign growth of the bone. Or possibly a previously overlooked root canal infection, which is often only visible on the second X-ray.

Do you have any questions?

Best regards, Welsch