DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjds.2025.v12i02.001

Pages: 19-23

Extraction of multi-rooted teeth may, in certain instances, result in multiple complications such as root fractures and the migration of dental roots into the maxillary sinus. We report a case of a dental root migration following a probable oro-antral communication occurring after dental avulsion, managed in our department. The patient had undergone extraction of his 27th tooth by a traditional healer, ten days before his admission, complicated by a neglected oro-antral communication. The panoramic radiograph performed in our department highlighted an oroantral communication and the presence of the 27th tooth’s root in the maxillary sinus. A simultaneous surgical treatment of the two complications was performed, allowing the extraction of the root using the Caldwell-Luc approach and the repair of the oro antral barrier using a palatal flap. This case was compared to existing data in the literature. If the dental roots are exceeding 3 mm, or the oro-antral communications are exceeding 10 mm, or are associated to a maxillary antral pathology, a combined technique using septal cartilage or a bone flap after the extraction of the involved root, or a fat grafting or a buccal advancement flap can be very effective strengthening the tissue’s support to close the defect. Antibiotic treatments and appropriate antifungals should also be administered before and after the surgical procedure.