Salivary Gland Injury Subsequent to Implant Surgery

Implant-based prosthetic restoration and oral rehabilitation is a very popular modality of treatment, with excellent success rates. Although a relatively safe procedure, implant insertion has its risks, which have been described in the literature. This article describes an as-yet unreported complication following implant insertion-salivary gland injury. The characteristics of salivary gland injury are examined, and 4 cases in which the salivary apparatus was injured or obstructed during 1 of the phases of implant therapy are presented. Keywords: implants, ranula, salivary gland injury, sialoendoscopy