Abstract:

Introduction. The displacement of tooth roots into the surrounding soft tissues of the alveolus is an uncommon complication that, if not properly managed, may lead to significant and persistent adverse outcomes. These include moderate to severe pain, discomfort, infectious processes, and functional impairments, ultimately affecting the patient’s overall well-being.
Aim. This report aims to present a clinical case of a perioperative complication that arose long after the extraction of an upper molar, in which one of the tooth roots was inadvertently displaced superiorly and vestibularly along the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. Over time, this led to the development of a recurrent chronic inflammatory process, which progressively diminished the patient’s quality of life and resulted in persistent, unexplained symptoms.
Results and Conclusion. This case highlights the critical importance of comprehensive clinical and radiographic evaluations in instances where a complication is suspected during tooth extraction. Particular attention should be given to cases involving single roots when their number does not align with the expected anatomical morphology, as unrecognized root displacement may lead to long-term complications.

Keywords: displacement root, maxillary sinus, soft tissue infection, fossa canina, tooth