Screwdriver aspiration : a complication of dental implant placement

Endosseous implants are part of the prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients who have undergone radical tumor resection in the oral and maxillofacial area. Several complications arising from the use of these implants have been reported. Intraoperative aspiration of a screwdriver as a rare and life-threatening complication is presented. It was followed by a chain of further complications including pneumothorax, late laryngeal obstruction requiring tracheotomy, and pleural effusion requiring drainage. To prevent similar complications, we recommend general anesthesia when placing dental implants in patients who have previously undergone extended radical tumor surgery of the oral cavity.