A retrospective study of the effects on sinus complications of exposing dental implants to the maxillary sinus cavity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether dental implant exposure to the maxillary sinus cavity increased the risk of maxillary sinus complications.

STUDY

DESIGN

Nine patients with 23 implants that had been inserted into the maxillary sinus more than 4 mm without lifting the sinus mucous membranes were evaluated for sinus complications 6 to 10 months after implant insertion, using a questionnaire and computerized tomography (CT).

RESULTS

There were no clinical signs of sinusitis in any patient. However, CT scans showed postoperative sinus mucous thickening around 14 of the 23 implants.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that implant exposure to the maxillary sinus cavity can cause sinus mucous thickening around the implants.