Extra-oral fistula caused by a dental implant.

Dental implantation has become an important procedure for both dental treatment and head and neck reconstructive surgery. However, this useful technique sometimes results in peri-implantitis. We describe a rare complication of peri-implantitis in the maxilla which extended to the soft tissue and caused an extra-oral fistula above the alar region. The patient underwent the placement of dental implants in the maxilla 8 years earlier. Radiography showed osteolysis of the maxilla and implant exposure. After the implants were removed, the patient was fitted with a conventional fixed partial denture. Such unfavorable outcomes are caused by failed endodontic and apicoectomy procedures.