Maxillary sinus

The maxillary sinuses are the largest of the sinuses, the hollow spaces in your face. One sits in each side of the upper jaw bone, or maxilla. They lie behind the cheeks and above the upper back teeth.

Only a thin layer of bone separates the sinus from the roots of those teeth. A sinus infection can make upper teeth ache. In the same way, a tooth infection can spread into the sinus. Dentists consider this when you have upper tooth pain with congestion.

The sinus also matters when a back tooth is removed or an implant is planned. If bone is thin, a sinus lift may be discussed. A dentist uses x-rays or a 3D scan, such as CBCT, to see the area.