DESCENDING NECROTIZING MEDIASTINITIS - A COMPLICATION OF DENTAL IMPLANT-SURGERY

Background. The placement of osseointegrated dental implants is consid ered a minimally invasive procedure with a low complication rate. Repo rted complications include local trauma to neurovascular structures, m andible fractures, sinusitis, and localized gingivitis. Major life-thr eatening complications are extremely rare. Severe infection has not be en reported in a review of the English literature. Method. Case study. Results. We present a case of life-threatening deep neck space infect ion resulting in descending necrotizing mediastinitis following osseoi ntegrated dental implant placement. Treatment included intravenous ant ibiotics, aggressive neck debridement, and removal of the infected den tal implants. Conclusion. Severe infection can result from the placeme nt of dental implants. Principles of treatment include antibiotics, su rgical drainage and debridement, and careful assessment and removal of the involved implants. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.