Removal of surgical bur from maxillary sinus using magnet: a case report

Foreign body penetration into the maxillary sinus is a rare, predominantly iatrogenic complication of dental procedures, occurring in over 60% of reported cases. Removal of such objects can be challenging due to their proximity to vital anatomical structures. In addition to classical approaches (alveolar or Caldwell–Luc techniques), minimally invasive alternatives exist, including endonasal endoscopic surgery. In some cases, the use of a magnet for extracting metallic foreign bodies can minimize surgical trauma and reduce the risk of complications.

In the present case, a metallic foreign body was incidentally detected in the maxillary sinus during implant treatment planning. The patient was asymptomatic at the initial visit and had last seen a dentist approximately three months prior for tooth extraction. Cone-beam computed tomography revealed a hyperdense object in the left maxillary sinus, identified as a surgical bur, likely displaced into the sinus during a previous extraction. After comprehensive assessment of the foreign body’s location relative to maxillary anatomical landmarks, access was planned through the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. The object was removed via the perforation using a magnet, and the wound was sutured. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Although rare, metallic foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus should be considered in the patient’s history, and appropriate diagnostic evaluation is essential. This clinical case demonstrates a minimally invasive technique for removing a metallic foreign body using a magnet. The approach is technically simple, atraumatic, can be performed under local anesthesia, and does not require specialized equipment, including endoscopic instruments.