Nasopalatine duct cyst developed in association with dental implant treatment: A case report and histopathological observation

Placement of an anterior maxillary implant has a risk of interfering with the nasopalatine canal in the maxilla. This case report presents one of our experiences of a nasopalatine duct cyst that developed in association with a dental implant treatment. A 45-year-old man received an implant in the maxillary left central incisor due to root fracture. Preoperative radiograph indicated no anatomical abnormalities. A postextraction immediate implant was placed, and radiographic examination after 28 months revealed an asymptomatic, oval-shaped radiolucency around the apex of the implant, seemingly in contact to the nasopalatine canal. The entire lesion was removed along with a part of the implant. Histopathologically it was diagnosed as nasopalatine duct cyst. Accidental contact with the nasopalatine canal during surgery may have induced development of the nasopalatine duct cyst. Careful planning based on preoperative computed tomography scan may prevent such complications.