Retrieval of Dental Implants from Maxillary Sinus- A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Implant dislocation into the maxillary sinus often results from features specific to the posterior maxillary teeth, together with poor bone quality and inadequate remaining bone. This study reviews implants displaced into the maxillary sinus, the reasons and complications of dislocation, and how to retrieve them, according to when the dislocation occurs.

Materials and methods: The PubMed, Ovid (MEDLINE), and EMBASE databases were searched using the keywords “dislocation,” “implant,” “maxillary sinus,” and “removal/ retrieval” for articles published between January 2000 and July 2013.

Results: 22 journal articles were chosen; these discussed 49 displaced implants. Most of the implants were displaced into the maxillary sinus during implantation, but caused in a low incidence of complications, such as maxillary sinusitis. The displaced implants were retrieved using the Caldwell-Luc approach or a transoral or transnasal endoscopic approach.

Conclusion: Implants displaced into the maxillary sinus have various reasons according to when they are displaced. As displaced implants can cause several complications, transnasal endoscopy is suggested to retrieve them; however, the implants should be examined thoroughly before selecting the removal method.