Foreign Body Embedded in the Schneiderian Membrane

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign bodies have been reported in the maxillary sinus. It has been suggested that asymptomatic foreign bodies do not require removal. The effect of such retained foreign bodies on sinus-elevation procedures is unknown.Case Presentation: This case report documents the management of an asymptomatic foreign body embedded in the Schneiderian membrane. The foreign body was left in situ while elevating the membrane for a sinus-augmentation procedure. A staged approach with delayed implant placement was used. Leaving the foreign body in situ did not seem to adversely affect the healing or clinical success of the augmentation procedure.Conclusions: From this short-term follow-up case, a retained foreign body in the maxillary sinus consistent with periapical endodontic filling material could be left in place in conjunction with maxillary sinus grafting based on a lack of symptoms. Long-term clinical success has yet to be confirmed. Clin Adv Periodontics 2014;4:135-138.