Successful Management of Late Sinus Graft Infection via Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Press-Fit Block Bone Graft: A Case Report

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to feature an interesting case where a staged approach was used to manage a failed implant site that led to a late sinus graft infection and sinusitis with an oroantral fistula (OAF), by using functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and an intraoral press-fit block bone graft technique. Sixteen years ago, a 60-year-old female patient underwent maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA) with 3 implants placed simultaneously in the right atrophic ridge. However, No. 3 and 4 implants were removed due to advanced peri-implantitis. The patient later developed purulent discharge from the site, headache, and complained of air leakage due to an OAF. The patient was referred to an otolaryngologist for FESS to treat the sinusitis. Two months after FESS, the sinus was re-entered. Residual inflammatory tissues and necrotic graft particles in the OAF site were removed. A block bone harvested from the maxillary tuberosity was press-fitted to the OAF site and grafted. After 4 months of grafting, the grafted bone was well incorporated with the surrounding native bone. Two implants were successfully placed in the grafted site with good initial stability. The prosthesis was delivered 6 months after implant placement. After the 2 years of follow-up, patient was functioning well without sinus complications. Within limitation of this case report, the staged approach via FESS and intraoral press-fit block bone graft is an effective method that can be used to successfully manage OAF and vertical defects at the implant site.