Caldwell-Luc procedure for retrieval of displaced root in the maxillary sinus

The aim of this study was to describe the standard diagnostic procedure and the application of the Caldwell-Luc approach for the retrieval of a displaced root from the maxillary sinus and to share our experience in treating this complication.

Twenty-four patients with a fractured root accidentally displaced into the maxillary sinus were referred by general dentists to our department from 2005 to 2008. All were managed by a standardized diagnostic procedure and a Caldwell-Luc approach. We recorded the age of each patient, the gender, the tooth, the size of root fragment, the type of displacement the delay between displacement and retrieval, the length of operating time, and any complications.

Over a 4-year period, we treated 24 patients, 14 being male and 10 female. Ages ranged from 14 to 55 years (average 26.4). The commonest tooth involved was the maxillary first molar; the length of the root fragments ranged from 3 to 7 mm. Seventeen of these roots were mobile and 7 fixed (4 being located between the sinus membrane and the bone and 3 immobilized by the sinus membrane. Twenty-three of the operations were completed in 30 minutes, and only 2 patients had a temporary complication of sinusitis. No infraorbital paresthesia occurred.

The standardized diagnostic procedure and Caldwell-Luc approach for the retrieval of a displaced root form the maxillary sinus is a safe, simple, and fast method with minimal complications.