A life-threatening dental implant: a case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intraoral bleeding complications in implant surgery are infrequent; nevertheless, serious and life-threatening complications have been described, generally related to mandibular implants. PURPOSE: This article presents the exceptional case of a 24-year-old woman who underwent repeated delayed life-threatening episodes of intraoral bleeding following uncovering of a maxillary dental implant. Local measures afforded only temporary control. RESULTS: The episodes were successfully managed by embolising the greater descending palatine artery, and the patient remains now under close follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Early recognition of shock secondary to hemorrhage following intraoral surgery is of paramount importance.