Simultaneous Removal of Gutta-Percha Points Displaced into the Maxillary Sinus Associated with the Maxillary Left First Molar and Endodontic Retreatment : A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background : Foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus may occur as a complication of dental treatment, and reported causative materials include tooth roots, dental implants, dental instruments, and root canal filling materials. Among these, displacement of gutta − percha points into the maxillary sinus is relatively rare, and comprehensive evaluation of imaging findings, the relationship to the causative tooth, and the treatment strategy is required. Case presentation : A 39−year−old man was referred to our department for further evaluation and treatment of a foreign body in the left maxillary sinus. Imaging examinations led to the diagnosis of a displaced foreign body in the left maxillary sinus and apical periodontitis of the maxillary left first molar. Preoperative panoramic radiography and computed tomography revealed a foreign body in the left maxillary sinus, its close relationship to the palatal root of the maxillary left first molar, and localized mucosal thickening, without obvious signs of sinusitis. Under general anesthesia, removal of the foreign body from the left maxillary sinus, endodontic retreatment of the maxillary left first molar, and root canal filling by condensation were performed. A 5 × 10 mm bony window was created on the buccal side, and the foreign body was identified endoscopically at the level corresponding to the palatal root of the maxillary left first molar. The foreign body consisted of two gutta−percha points embedded in the maxillary sinus mucosa, which were removed successfully. The causative tooth was subsequently treated endodontically. The postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative panoramic radiography confirmed disappearance of the foreign body. Conclusion : We report a case in which gutta−percha points displaced into the maxillary sinus in association with the maxillary left first molar were removed through bony window formation with endoscopic assistance, and simultaneous endodontic retreatment of the causative tooth was successfully completed. In cases of root canal filling material displaced into the maxillary sinus, simultaneous removal of the foreign body and appropriate endodontic management of the causative tooth may be a reasonable option for preventing recurrence and preserving the tooth.
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7212416166