Accidental dental displacement into the maxillary sinus during extraction maneuvers: a case series

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to describe the clinical findings of patients that suffered teeth displacement into the maxillary sinus, and to report the surgical technique used to solve this complication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted involving patients that suffered a displacement of teeth into the maxillary sinus. Demographic and clinical data were recorded from the affected patients and a descriptive statistical analysis was made of the study variables. RESULTS: A total of nine patients were enrolled, six males (66.7%) and three females (33.3%), with a mean age of 36.0 years (range 22-54). In five patients (55.5%) the displaced teeth remained asymptomatic; however, dental fragments were retrieved from the maxillary sinus using Caldwell-Luc technique or endoscopic approach. CONCLUSIONS: Dental displacement into the maxillary sinus during the extraction manoeuvres is an uncommon finding. Even in asymptomatic cases, these displaced teeth should be extracted in order to avoid the development of sinus pathology. Key words:Maxillary sinus, dental root fragment, accidental tooth displacement, extraction, surgical complications, Caldwell-Luc.