Abstract
Partially edentulous patients who present with inadequate bone height in the posterior maxillary can predictably be rehabilitated with lateral wall sinus augmentation and subsequent implant placement. However, the sinus augmentation is defined by variations observed in the anatomical presentation of the maxillary sinus. Herein, we describe a case study managing sinus augmentation when a rare anatomic variant termed inferior meatus pneumatization was observed. A 65-year-old female patient presented, wherein the inferior meatus of the nasal cavity was located directly above the maxillary posterior dentition as opposed to the maxillary sinus. The clinically atrophied maxilla was rehabilitated by employing nasal floor elevation, bone augmentation, and simultaneous implant placement. Post-operatively, no sino-nasal complications were recorded. Subsequently, 8 months after the initial procedure, osteointegration of the implants along with the presence of vital bone was observed. The patient posterior occlusion in the upper right quadrant was rehabilitated by engaging the stable implants with a cement-retained fixed final prosthesis. Follow-ups recorded for up to 2 years demonstrated no further complications. The case report demonstrates diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and management of inferior meatus pneumatization and a viable surgical approach for augmentation and implant treatment.