Implantology and otorhinolaryngology team-up to solve a complicated case

Implant Dent. 2014 Oct;23(5):617-21. doi: 10.1097/ID.0000000000000146.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this article was to highlight the importance of the collaboration between implantologists and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists to treat complex cases.

Materials and methods: A 46-year-old patient underwent a maxillary sinus elevation and implant placement 3 years before but because of a severe postop infection, the patient was treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and lost the graft and the implants. Later, the patient consulted us and was referred to an ENT specialist because of sinus opacity. She underwent a second functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS); various ENT consultations and computer tomographies (CTs) were performed to assess sinus health.

Results: After having confirmed with sinus health, sinus elevation, implant placement, and loading were performed with success.

Conclusion: Collaboration between the implantologist and ENT specialist is necessary to distinguish between nonpathological membrane thickening because of the healing process after FESS and a pathological thickening due to infection.

MeSH terms

  • Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
  • Dental Implants*
  • Humans
  • Otolaryngology*

Substances

  • Dental Implants