Submental cutaneous sinus tract as a result of progressive peri-implantitis: a case report

The aim of the present case report was to define diagnosis and treatment options of a submental cutaneous sinus tract as a result of a progressive peri-implantitis around mandibular dental implants in a patient with a history of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Before the removal of the submental fistula, a panoramic radiograph and a computed tomography of the head and neck were assessed to identify the implants responsible for the cutaneous sinus tract and to exclude the presence of a tumor recurrence and lymph node metastases. The involved implants were removed, as there was a communication along them between the oral cavity and the cutaneous sinus tract resulting from progressive peri-implantitis. A histological examination of the excised fistula was carried out.

The histological examination excluded a recurrence of the oral squamous cell carcinoma. The fistula completely consisted of granulation tissue without epithelialization. After affected implants were removed, the wound healing was uneventful.

A panoramic radiograph is mandatory to identify the involved implants. Computed tomography, and excision of the fistula and a histological examination should be performed only in patients with a history of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Since the cutaneous sinus tract showed no epithelialization, it healed spontaneously after the removal of the responsible implants. Because of the large bony defect caused by progressive peri-implantitis leading to a communication of the oral cavity with the cutaneous sinus tract, more conservative treatment options with preservation of the implants could not be adopted in the present case.