Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis and fungus ball development secondary to a dental root retained for more than 25 years. A case report

The displacement of a dental root fragment into the maxillary sinus is a serious complication of tooth extraction that can give rise to maxillary sinusitis. The condition can become chronic if the intrasinusal foreign body is not promptly removed, and Aspergillus fumigatus superinfection may ultimately result, forming a fungus ball. The present study describes the case of a 50-year-old man with fungal rhinosinusitis caused by the accidental displacement of a dental root over 25 years ago. The prolonged and atypical course of the disorder produced long diagnostic and therapeutic controversy, and justifies the publication of this clinical case, which affords useful information for routine clinical practice. Key words:Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, fungus ball, tooth displacement, aspergillosis, diagnostic and therapeutic controversy.