The "dome phenomenon" associated with maxillary sinus augmentation.
OBJECTIVE
This case series is aimed to report a new phenomenon, the "dome phenomenon," which was observed in infected augmented sinuses over several years.


METHODS
Five patients are presented in whom sinus lift augmentation resulted in postoperative infection with inflammation and suppuration. The patients received aggressive anti-inflammatory treatment and surgical debridement of the inflamed tissue, including some grafted material performed through the lateral window of the primary procedure.


RESULTS
The inflammatory condition was reversed, and the site healed clinically. Radiographically, a dome-shaped, radio-opaque tissue was observed at the superior most aspect of the grafted sinus. This "dome phenomenon" was further confirmed during dental implant placement, which indicates healing potential adjacent to the maxillary sinus membrane.


CONCLUSIONS
The current report, as well as other studies and case series, suggests that there is great potential for healing and bone formation in the maxillary sinus membrane. The precise mechanism is not known. Further clinical and histologic studies are needed to understand the regenerative potential of the Schneiderian membrane.
Mahler
Dan
D
Department of Periodontology, the Rambam Health Care Campus School of Graduate Dentistry, Haifa, Israel.
Levin
Liran
L
Zigdon
Hadar
H
Machtei
Eli E
EE
D000038:Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013516:Oral Surgical Procedures, Preprosthetic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012038:Regeneration
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; C077540:Bio-Oss; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D008903:Minerals; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination