Penetration of the lingual cortex while placing a dental implant into the anterior mandible can result in significant hemorrhage, which can result in a hematoma in the floor of the mouth.
Mechanism of injury: penetration of the lingual cortex while placing a dental implant
Basis for the bleeding: injury to a rich vascular plexus supplied by the sublingual and/or submental arteries
Major complication: obstruction of the upper airway with death
Risk factors for complications:
(1) atrophic edentulous mandible with resorption of the alveolar ridge
(2) failure to adequately evaluate the patient prior to the procedure, including CT to accurately determine the maximal allowable depth for the dental implant
(3) coagulation disorder including therapy with anticoagulants
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
