Removing an Implant Displaced into the Maxillary Sinus

Jayangdong Dental Clinic Recommendation – We Removed an Implant That Had Fallen into the Maxillary Sinus!

When proceeding with implant treatment,

each patient's individual oral condition

must be carefully considered

before surgery.

In particular, when placing implants

in the upper molar area,

an anatomical structure called

the 'maxillary sinus' must be

taken into careful consideration.

Today, we'd like to share a treatment case

from Seoul Hunhunhan Dental Clinic,

a recommended Jayangdong dental clinic,

in which an implant that had fallen into

the maxillary sinus was safely removed.

The patient we'd like to introduce

had undergone implant surgery at another dental clinic,

during which the implant displaced into

the space inside the upper jaw.

As the other clinic was unable to resolve the issue,

the patient came to our clinic.

After taking a panoramic X-ray,

we were able to confirm that

the implant fixture had fallen

into the 'maxillary sinus.'

Before introducing the treatment case,

let's briefly explain what the maxillary sinus is.

✔ What is the Maxillary Sinus?

Simply put, the maxillary sinus

is an air-filled space inside the upper jawbone—

think of it as an air pocket

located beside the nose, inside the cheekbone,

and above the roots of the upper molars.

It helps to picture a balloon-like empty space

above the upper molars,

with the tooth roots attached below it.

Because of the maxillary sinus,

when placing implants in the upper molars,

multiple factors must be carefully checked:

how much bone remains,

whether there is sufficient space for the implant,

and how close the implant placement site is

to the maxillary sinus.

Additionally, the maxillary sinus

is lined by a thin and delicate membrane.

If not handled with care,

the membrane can tear and cause complications.

As seen in this patient's case,

unexpected outcomes—

such as the implant falling into the sinus—

can unfortunately occur.

This is why sinus lift (maxillary sinus augmentation)

is a technically demanding procedure

that requires a cautious approach.

▼ Now, back to the case: ▼

To remove the implant

that had displaced into the maxillary sinus,

we performed a detailed analysis

using 3D-CT imaging.

We carefully confirmed

the exact location of the displaced implant,

then planned a lateral approach—

accessing the maxillary sinus

through the side wall of the alveolar bone

to carefully retrieve the implant.

(Lateral approach)

* The lateral approach has the advantage

of allowing direct visualization of the interior,

but because the thin sinus membrane

and surrounding tissues must not be damaged,

experience and refined technique are essential.

Fortunately, the implant was successfully removed,

and bone grafting was performed

at the site of removal.

The patient had been very worried,

but expressed gratitude,

saying they were relieved

that the implant had been successfully removed.

✔ Before → After

This concludes the treatment case

from Seoul Hunhunhan Dental Clinic,

a recommended Jayangdong dental clinic,

in which we removed an implant

that had fallen into the maxillary sinus

during surgery at another clinic.

At our clinic, we also see cases

that other clinics have been unable to resolve,

or situations where treatment

has been deemed difficult due to poor conditions.

We encourage you to visit us

for a thorough examination

to discuss the appropriate treatment direction.

If you have a dental concern that has been difficult to resolve, Seoul Hunhunhan Dental Clinic is here to help. :)

* All case photos are published with the patient's consent in accordance with Articles 23 and 56 of the Medical Service Act.

* All treatment photos are of patients treated at our clinic.

* All treatment photos are of the same individual and were taken under the same conditions.

* Side effects may occur after procedures or surgery depending on individual differences; please consult sufficiently with your dental professional.

Seoul Hunhunhan Dental Clinic 4F, 361 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul Check in to this blog Other posts about this location