News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dual Management of Implant Site Failure and Sinus Graft Infection
Journal of Oral Implantology – There is a direct connection between the sinus and oral cavities. Pain in the area of the upper back teeth can indicate a sinus infection rather than dental caries. Given this connection, it is common for oral surgeons to combine maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA)—or a sinus lift—with dental implant procedures. Performing an MSA before implantation can help increase the amount of available bone necessary for a successful dental implant procedure.
The Journal of Oral Implantology recently published a case report by researchers from Columbia University, New York City, New York. Lead author Won-Bae Park, DMD, PhD, and colleagues state, “The purpose of this present case report is to evaluate clinically, radiologically, and histologically the results of the 2-staged approach using [functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)] and intraoral press-fit block bone graft to manage a failed implant site that involved a late sinus graft infection/sinusitis and [an oroantral fistula (OAF)].”
Park et al. report on a case study of a 60-year-old healthy, non-smoking female with hypertension. She underwent an MSA with three implants 16 years prior; however, two implants had since been removed due to severe peri-implantitis (infection involving the bone surrounding the implants). The patient presented with discharge at the implant site, headache, and air leakage from OAF.
After referral to and a successful functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) performed by an otolaryngologist, the patient returned two months later to treat the sinus graft infection and OAF site with a new bone graft to attempt reimplantation of the two previously failed implants. Four months after the bone graft, the two implants were successfully placed with solid stability. The implants remained functional, and the patient was not experiencing any additional sinus complications at the two-year follow-up.
A bone graft with dental implants can become infected due to peri-implantitis can cause sinus issues and OAFs. Treatment can be a long, difficult process for the patient. Given the outcomes of this case report, Park and colleagues conclude, “the staged approach via FESS and intraoral press-fit block bone graft can be used to successfully replace implants at an OAF site with sinus graft infection/sinusitis caused by advanced peri-implantitis.”
Full text of the article, “Successful Management of Late Sinus Graft Infection via Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Press-Fit Block Bone Graft: A Case Report,”Journal of Oral Implantology, Vol. 49, No. 3, 2023, is available at https://doi.org/10.1563/aaid-joi-D-22-00112
###
About the Journal of Oral Implantology
The Journal of Oral Implantology is the official publication of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. It is dedicated to providing valuable information to general dentists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, scientists, clinicians, laboratory owners and technicians, manufacturers, and educators. The JOI distinguishes itself as the first and oldest journal in the world devoted exclusively to implant dentistry. For more information about the journal or the society, please visit http://www.joionline.org
Media Contact:
Samantha Weinkauf
KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd
785/289-2649
Samantha.Weinkauf@kwglobal.com