Preoperative chronic sinusitis as significant cause of postoperative infection and implant loss after sinus augmentation from a lateral approach.

OBJECTIVES: Among intra/postoperative complications of sinus augmentation from a lateral approach, postoperative infection and implant loss are particularly important because they have irreversible consequences. The purpose of this study was to determine the causes of postoperative infection and implant loss after a lateral approach and to determine the appropriate prophylaxis and therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 109 patients (121 sinuses, 252 implants) were included in this study. The correlation between postoperative infection and implant loss and clinical variables was assessed using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS: Postoperative infection and implant loss occurred in 8/121 sinuses (6.6%). Infection had the strongest correlation to preoperative chronic sinusitis (p = 0.007), followed by timing of implant insertion. Implant loss had the strongest correlation to preoperative chronic sinusitis (p = 0.007), followed by sex, diabetes, postoperative use of dentures, and intraoperative perforation of the sinus membrane.

CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chronic sinusitis could be a significant cause of postoperative infection and implant loss when using sinus augmentation from a lateral approach. For appropriate prophylaxis and therapy, it is necessary to diagnose the presence of chronic sinusitis that should be treated with proper methods prior to sinus augmentation.