Endoscopic Removal of a Displaced Dental Implant From the Tail of the Inferior Nasal Concha

TL;DR

A rare case of a dental implant moving into the nasal cavity was successfully removed using endoscopic surgery.

Contribution

This paper presents a rare case of dental implant displacement into the tail of the inferior nasal concha and its successful endoscopic removal.

Findings

Computed tomography revealed an 11 × 4 mm dental implant lodged beneath the left inferior nasal concha.

Endoscopic removal under local anesthesia was successful without mucosal injury.

Postoperative recovery was uneventful with resolution of nasal obstruction and normal mucosal recovery.

Abstract

Accidental displacement of dental implants into adjacent anatomical cavities is a rare but clinically significant complication of implant surgery. Migration into the nasal cavity, particularly into posterior regions such as the tail of the inferior nasal concha, is exceedingly uncommon and sparsely documented in the literature. Prompt radiographic evaluation and coordinated interdisciplinary management are essential in preventing secondary complications and determining the most appropriate treatment approach. We present the case of a 65-year-old woman who was referred after an accidental displacement of a dental implant placed at site #23. Computed tomography revealed an 11 × 4 mm dental implant lodged beneath the left inferior nasal concha, associated with hemorrhagic collection in the ipsilateral nasal cavity and maxillary sinus. A prior surgical retrieval attempt was unsuccessful. The implant was subsequently removed endoscopically under local anesthesia after consulting with the otorhinolaryngology team. The implant was visualized and extracted intact without additional mucosal injury. The postoperative course was uneventful, and at one-week follow-up, the patient reported complete resolution of nasal obstruction, with endoscopy confirming normal mucosal recovery. This case highlights a rare anatomical location of implant migration and demonstrates the effectiveness of minimally invasive endoscopic removal. Early imaging, careful assessment of sinonasal anatomy, and interdisciplinary management between oral and maxillofacial surgery and ear, nose, and throat specialists are fundamental for ensuring optimal outcomes.

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