Sinus floor elevation from a maxillary molar tooth extraction socket in a patient with chronic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The compromised nature of the residual interradicular bone after extraction of periodontally hopeless maxillary molars often requires a sinus elevation procedure to ideally place the implants to accept future prosthesis. Maxillary sinus elevation surgery is a procedure used to increase the volume of bone mass so that dental implants can be placed. This article documents a sinus floor elevation technique through an extraction socket in a 65-year-old white male with chronic inflammation to increase the bone mass after the extraction of a periodontally involved maxillary molar tooth.

METHODS: Computerized tomography revealed an increased thickness of the sinus membrane, which was attributed to possible chronic sinus inflammation and periodontal inflammation. After consultation with the Department of Otolaryngology, it was diagnosed as chronic inflammation without any contraindication for sinus elevation surgery or implant placement. One month after the extraction, the sinus floor elevation surgery was performed through the extraction socket, and implants were placed 4 months later.

RESULTS: An uneventful healing was noted after 6 months of osseointegration; two porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were fabricated. Clinical follow-up took place every 3 months for 3 years, and successful healing was achieved. The patient was satisfied with the esthetic and functional results of the oral rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION: Sinus floor elevation through an extraction socket without any residual bone, followed by dental implant placement, provided successful functional results and acceptable stability.