Accidental migration of dental implants: Two unique cases and their management

Introduction: Dental implant therapy has become a routine procedure with a high success rate. However, implant migration is a known complication. Migration or displacement of dental implants most commonly occurs in the maxillary sinus, while migration into soft tissue appears to be rare. Several approaches such as the bony window technique and endoscopic surgical approaches have been described for the management of implants displaced into the maxillary sinus. However, the optimal strategy remains controversial. Case Report: Case 1: A female patient with migration of a dental implant into the right maxillary sinus following second-stage implant surgery was referred to our department. The implant was successfully removed using the bony window technique with endoscopic assistance under general anesthesia. Subsequent sinus augmentation and implant therapy are currently ongoing. Case 2: A male patient with migration of a dental implant into the soft tissue adjacent to the maxillary sinus was referred to our department. Based on the surgeon’s interpretation of the computed tomography (CT) images, the implant was successfully removed on the same day under local anesthesia. To date, no further implant treatment has been initiated at the same site. Conclusion: Because bone healing is generally favorable following removal of migrated implants using the bony window technique, subsequent maxillary sinus floor elevation can be performed successfully. In addition, with appropriate interpretation of CT images, minimally invasive removal is also feasible. Our experience may serve as a useful reference for physicians and oral and maxillofacial surgeons managing similar cases in clinical practice.