Retrieval of displaced implants inside the maxillary sinus: two case reports and a short review

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this paper are to demonstrate two cases of implant migration into the maxillary sinus and to give a short review of the literature on this subject. CLINICAL PROCEDURE: Two patients were diagnosed with implant migration into the maxillary sinus. After thorough radiographic examination which revealed the exact position of the implants inside the maxillary sinus, removal was performed through a bony window in the anterior-lateral aspect of the maxillary sinus for both cases. DISCUSSION: Implant displacement into the maxillary sinus can occur intraoperatively or postoperatively either prior to implant loading or after functional loading. Several actors can lead to this complication differing according to the stage of the displacement. Management of this complication is achieved using four surgical techniques: a. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, b. intraoral removal by the Caldwell-Luc technique, c. removal through the alveolar bone, d. combination of the last two techniques. If implant displacement into the maxillary sinus remains untreated, it can lead to several complications with various effects. CONCLUSION: Migration of dental implants into the maxillary sinus is a rare but severe complication which must be treated as soon as possible.