Endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA) for the removal of dental implants displaced into the maxillary sinus

Over the last 40 years, dental implants have become popular. Despite being a safe procedure with few reported complications, dental implants may become displaced into the maxillary sinus. We analyzed the outcomes of endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA) for implant removal. Medical records of all patients who had EIMA for dislocated dental implants at our institution during 2016-2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Ten patients were included in the analysis; most of them were asymptomatic at presentation. Implants, displaced into the lower, central, or upper parts of the maxillary sinus, were removed by EIMA, which provided excellent access and view. The ostiomeatal complex remained untouched. The average operation time (including administration of general anesthesia) was 42 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Recirculation was not detected. All patients healed without requiring further interventions. EIMA should be considered for removal of dislocated dental implants from the maxillary sinus, since it provides better access and view, while maintaining the integrity of the ostiomeatal complex.