Otolaryngologist Referral Required for Maxillary Sinus Pathology Observed on Cone-beam Computed Tomography Before Sinus Floor Elevation: A Case Report

Abstract

Inverted papilloma is an uncommon sinus pathology usually affecting the maxillary sinus walls in its early stages. Although histologically benign, it has a relatively strong potential for local destruction, high recurrence rate, and the possibility of carcinomatous change. The current standard treatment is surgical removal by endoscopic sinus surgery. Since cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dental clinics provides precise views of the maxillary sinus via high-resolution images, dentists can detect pathological alterations in the maxillary sinus, including inverted papilloma, and refer the patients to otolaryngologists in the early stage. This report documents a case of inverted papilloma detected on CBCT in the initial stage, which was treated by an otolaryngologist before implant placement. Finally, implant placement with osteotome sinus-floor elevation was safely performed after treating the neoplasm.