Fatal sequel to dental implant surgery.
The rare complication of fatal venous air embolism arising as a direct result of dental implant surgery in the mandible is depicted. The deaths arose from the erroneous use of an air/water coolant mixture with internally irrigated implant drills. The pathogenesis and consequence of air embolism is discussed. Practitioners are warned about the dangers of using air-driven equipment during implant surgery.
Girdler
N M
NM
Guy's and St. Thomas's Medical and Dental School, University of London, U.K.
D000399:Air Pressure; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009656:North America