The effects of exposing dental implants to the maxillary sinus cavity on sinus complications.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether dental implant exposure to the maxillary sinus cavity increases the risk of maxillary sinus complications.

Study Design: An implant was placed bilaterally in the maxillary sinus of 8 adult female mongrel dogs in a way that it penetrated the bone and mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus floor to the extent of 2 mm, 4 mm, or 8 mm. The implants were left in place for 6 months.

Results: Radiographic and histologic examinations did not show any signs of pathologic findings in the maxillary sinus of the 8 dogs.

Conclusion: This study indicates that implant protrusion into the maxillary sinus cavity is not related to the development of sinus complications in canines.