Diseases of the maxillary sinus: an overview for the dentists.

Because of the intimate relationship between the upper dentition and the maxillary sinus, it is no surprise that inflammatory, cystic and neoplastic odontogenic diseases may extend into the maxillary sinus and, occasionally, into the nasal cavity. On the other hand, diseases of the maxillary sinus may extend into the oral cavity or may cause symptoms that mimic those of diseases of odontogenic origin. An overview is presented of the various odontogenic and nonodontogenic diseases that may involve the maxillary sinus.