Development of a surgical ciliated cyst after maxillary sinus floor augmentation for dental implants: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The occurrence of s surgical ciliated cyst after maxillary sinus floor augmentation has been reported as a delayed and rare complication, although maxillary sinus floor augmentation is a proven and reliable technique for dental implants with a low incidence of postoperative complications. Here, we present a case of surgical ciliated cyst associated with maxillary sinus floor augmentation. A 71-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a chief complaint of swelling and tenderness of the left palatal region. She had a history of dental implant treatment in the area at another clinic three years ago. Computerized tomography revealed a radiolucent area around the implant fixtures in the left upper molar region. Based on a clinical diagnosis of a maxillary cyst, the patient underwent enucleation of the cyst under general anesthesia. Histopathological findings of the surgical specimen revealed that the cyst was lined by nonkeratinized squamous epithelium and partially lined by ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, and the cyst was ultimately diagnosed as a surgical ciliated cyst. In conclusion, the occurrence of a surgical ciliated cyst should be noted as a delayed complication of maxillary sinus floor augmentation, although its occurrence is extremely rare. To prevent the development of this cystic lesion, careful dissection of the maxillary sinus membrane from the bony surface is essential during maxillary sinus floor augmentation to minimize its damage and avoid its perforation.