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Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: A complication of dental implant surgery
Author(s) -
Li Kasey K.,
Varvares Mark A.,
Meara John G.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199603/04)18:2<192::aid-hed11>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - medicine , mediastinitis , debridement (dental) , surgery , osseointegration , complication , dental procedure , dental implant , dentistry , sinusitis , neurovascular bundle , implant , mandible (arthropod mouthpart) , botany , dental care , biology , genus
Background The placement of osseointegrated dental implants is considered a minimally invasive procedure with a low complication rate. Reported complications include local trauma to neurovascular structures, mandible fractures, sinusitis, and localized gingivitis. Major life‐threatening complications are extremely rare. Severe infection has not been reported in a review of the English literature. Method Case study. Results We present a case of life‐threatening deep neck space infection resulting in descending necrotizing mediastinitis following osseointegrated dental implant placement. Treatment included intravenous antibiotics, aggressive neck debridement, and removal of the infected dental implants. Conclusion Severe infection can result from the placement of dental implants. Principles of treatment include antibiotics, surgical drainage and debridement, and careful assessment and removal of the involved implants. HEAD & NECK 1996;18:192–196 © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.