OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcome of maxillary sinus augmentation and implant placement following removal of a maxillary antral cyst.

METHODSIn this study 32 patients with 33 maxillary antral cysts were enrolled. The partial wall of cyst was removed through a small lateral sinus approach and cyst spontaneous shrink was expected when wall of cyst was destroyed for open drainage. Three to six months later the secondary sinus approach 1.5 mm circling the first approach for augmentation was undertaken. Dental implants were placed simultaneously or later. All patients finished prosthetic rehabilitation in the study and were followed up for (30.9 ± 11.5) months. The intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The survival rate of the implants was calculated.

RESULTSIn this study, 33 maxillary antral cysts of 32 patients were removed. Maxillary sinus augmentation was performed after a mean of (4.5 ± 1.5) months (range, 2-8 months). Sixty-two implants were inserted and all patients finished prosthetic rehabilitation after a mean of (10.8 ± 2.7) months (range, 5-17 months). The survival rate of implants was 95% (59/62). Three implants failed before their prosthesis delivered due to failure of osseointegration and were reinserted later. No recurrence of cyst was observed until the last recall. In this study, 24 specimens were mucosal cysts. Five specimens were mucoceles and 4 specimens were not certain in pathology.

CONCLUSIONSMaxillary sinus cysts have a negative effect on maxillary sinus augumentation if not removed. The present preliminary data of the study suggests that the clinical result of maxillary sinus augmentation and implant placement following removal of a maxillary antral cyst is predictable.