Salivary Gland injury due to Implant Surgery

Endosseous implant placement is a relatively common treatment modality that provides consistently high implant survival rates. Though a relatively safe procedure, implant insertion has its risks which have been described in the literature. Objectives: to describe four cases, in which the salivary apparatus was injured or obstructed during one of the phases of implant therapy, and their treatment. Methods: The article describes these four cases, the way by which injury to salivary glands has probably occurred, and the way these cases were treated. Results: all foue patients were treated successfully in the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery clinic of the `Barzilai` Medical Centre, Ashkelon, Israel. Conclusions: Injury to the salivary apparatus can occur in every phase of implant placement, especially when there is great proximity between the peak of the alveolar ridge and the floor of the mouth.