Intentional penetration of dental implants into the maxillary sinus: a retrospective study

Background and objective: Perforation of the maxillary sinus by a dental implant isan issue of concern by many dental implant clinicians. This study aimed to assess thesuccess rate and consequences of dental implants emerging into the maxillary sinus.Methods: The maxillary sinus was intentionally perforated for dental implant placementin 35 patients with reduced posterior maxillary bone height (4 mm or more). A total of 70implants engaged bicortically and emerged into the sinus. Nineteen female and 16 malepatients were involved in the study. The patients were followed up for sinus complicationsand dental implant success.Results: From the total, only two implants were failed; one during gingival formerplacement and the other after loading by one year. No patient presented with sinusitisclinically and radiographically. Three patients developed epistaxis just on the day ofsurgery and became well after on.Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, dental implant emergence into healthymaxillary sinus is considered a safe and successful procedure.