Altered nasal airflow: an unusual complication following implant surgery in the anterior maxilla

Abstract

Dental implants have been in routine clinical use for over three decades and are a predictable treatment modality. However, as with all other aspects of dentistry, complications occur. A 50-year-old female patient with complaints of a long ongoing unpleasant altered nasal airflow presented herself at the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam. Visual inspection of the right nasal cavity revealed that the apical part of a dental implant placed in the upper right first incisor region had perforated the nasal floor and was partially protruding into the nasal cavity. Subsequent treatment consisted of a transnasal resection of the apical part of the dental implant to the level of the nasal floor. After a 12-month follow-up period, the patient reported having no altered nasal airflow. In conclusion, dental implants protruding into the nasal cavity can cause an alteration to the airflow. Furthermore, a partial removal of the apical part of the dental implant is a viable method of treating dental implants that extend into the nasal cavity.

Incidental findings of implant complications on postimplantation CBCTs: A cross‐sectional study

“…Besides sinus penetration, placement of dental implants in the maxilla can also result in nasal cavity penetration. Although this case is not commonly reported in the literature, a 2016 case study discussed the consequences of a dental implant protruding the nasal cavity . Nasal cavity penetrations are often asymptomatic however symptoms can arise years later .…”

“…In this case study, a 50‐year old woman presented with obstructed nasal air flow. The result was a surgery that involved resectioning the implant under general anesthesia . Rhino‐sinusitis can also develop as a consequence of obstructed airflow .…”

“…Although this case is not commonly reported in the literature, a 2016 case study discussed the consequences of a dental implant protruding the nasal cavity. 26 Nasal cavity penetrations are often asymptomatic however symptoms can arise years later. 26 In this case study, a 50-year old woman presented with obstructed nasal air flow.…”

“…26 Nasal cavity penetrations are often asymptomatic however symptoms can arise years later. 26 In this case study, a 50-year old woman presented with obstructed nasal air flow. The result was a surgery that involved resectioning the implant under general anesthesia.…”

“…The result was a surgery that involved resectioning the implant under general anesthesia. 26 Rhinosinusitis can also develop as a consequence of obstructed airflow. 27 A case report published in 2004 involved a 69-year old woman who had developed rhino-sinusitis due to the placement of a dental implant in the maxillary anterior area.…”