Floor of the mouth hemorrhage subsequent to dental implant placement in the anterior mandible

Abstract

Complications in dental implant surgery are possible. Bleeding complications have been described that may be serious, particularly in the floor of the mouth. We present two cases of sublingual hematomas during dental implant osteotomies that impeded but did not close the airway. The clinical courses of these patient’s complications are reviewed. One patient had immediate hematoma formation while the other developed a hematoma overnight, presenting the next day. The treatment rendered was a precautionary in-hospital tracheotomy for the first patient and only compression control for the second. Bleeding complications during dental implant placement in the anterior mandible can be serious issues. There is a potential for sublingual hematoma that could compromise the airway by pressing the tongue against the soft palate into the pharynx. In-hospital treatment may be necessary to prevent an adverse outcome. It must be noted that a hematoma in the submandibular space is life threatening by direct airway compression.