A Sinus Floor Reaugmentation Technique Around an Apically Exposed Implant Into the Maxillary Sinus
Sinus floor augmentation (SFA) is the most predictable treatment option in the atrophic posterior maxilla. However, exposure of the apical implant body into the maxillary sinus cavity is an occasionally observed phenomenon after SFA. Although most penetrating dental implants remain completely asymptomatic, they may induce recurrent rhinosinusitis or implant loss. Removal of the implant should be considered if there is significant implant exposure that results in prolonged treatment and increased costs. This case report demonstrates a recovery approach using sinus floor reaugmentation without implant removal in a patient with an apically exposed implant into the maxillary sinus cavity.

Figure 1. Preoperative intraoral image. Figure 2. Preoperative panoramic (a) and coronal (b) cone beam computed tomography images.

Sinus floor augmentation in an apically exposed implant in the right maxillary sinus: (a) After elevation of flaps, a residual extraction socket was observed at site #3. (b) The lateral window was made with piezoelectric surgery. (c) The Schneiderian membrane was elevated from the bone and exposed implant. (d) Bone augmentation was performed with synthetic hydroxyapatite.

Figure 4. Panoramic (a) and coronal (b) cone beam computed tomography images 5 months after sinus floor augmentation. Figure 5. Measurement of implant stability quotient 4 months after implant placement. Figure 6. Intraoral (a) and radiographic (b) images 6 months after occlusal loading.
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