French Otorhinolaryngology Society (SFORL) good practice guidelines for dental implant surgery close to the maxillary sinus

ObjectivesTo draw up guidelines for ENT management associated with dental implant surgery with or without sinus lift.Materials and methodsThe methodology followed the rules of laid down by the French Health Authority (HAS): “Methodological bases for drawing up professional recommendations by formalized consensus”. The chosen method was the RAND/UCLA “RAND appropriateness method” (short version).ResultsIn the pre-implantation check-up, it is recommended to systematically screen for sinonasal pathology on medical interview and to favor 3D CT or cone-beam imaging. It is recommended that imaging include the entire maxillary sinus when the patient does not have sinonasal history or functional signs on interview. Otherwise, examination of all sinonasal cavities is recommended. This attitude enables simultaneous analysis of maxillary infrastructure for pre-implantation work-up and assessment of sinonasal cavity status. Sinus mucosal incidentalomas are very common in the healthy population and must be assessed with reference to the clinical, endoscopic and radiological context.ConclusionThis formalized expert consensus establishes a common base of knowledge, to clarify the issues and clinical situations and to standardize practices.