Abstract
Maxillary sinus lift surgery is applied to compensate for the reduced vertical height in the posterior maxilla to facilitate placing a dental implant of a suitable length. Pathological conditions may be accidentally discovered, which necessitate careful assessment and management to prevent the infection of the maxillofacial complex and eventually bone grafting and dental implant failure. This case report describes an approach for the management of Schneiderian membrane perforation associated with the removal of an antral pseudocyst for successful dental implant therapy. A 70-year-old healthy Caucasian male presented for implant therapy to replace a non-restorable maxillary molar. Initial examination revealed the need for a sinus lift procedure to prepare the site for implant placement. A 3D CBCT evaluation before surgery revealed an incidental finding of a pathological lesion at the surgical site. The histological analysis of a biopsy specimen retrieved during implant site preparation showed findings consistent with antral pseudocyst. The resulting perforation of the sinus membrane was treated, and an adequate period of healing was given. A thickened sinus membrane was detected upon surgical exposure for implant placement. The novel technique illustrated could result in a fibrotic repaired sinus membrane and help shorten the time required for dental implant treatment.