19/04/2026
Accidental Displacement of Dental Implant into Submandibular Space and Surgical Retrieval
A 60-year-old male patient underwent dental implant placement by a young clinician. The surgical phase was uneventful, and the implant placement was deemed satisfactory.
During the prosthetic phase, the cover screw was removed, and a scan body was placed for digital impression making. Following completion of scanning, while re-inserting and tightening the cover screw, the operator experienced a sudden loss of resistance. Clinical examination revealed that the implant was no longer visible intraorally.
Immediate radiographic evaluation using intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA) suggested displacement of the implant into the submandibular space, an unexpected and rare complication.
The patient was referred for further management. A CBCT scan was performed to accurately determine the three-dimensional position of the displaced implant. Based on CBCT findings, surgical planning was carried out, and an appropriate extraoral approach was selected.
Under general anesthesia, surgical retrieval was performed using the Risdon’s submandibular approach. Preoperative incision markings were made, and careful dissection was carried out to access the submandibular space.
Intraoperatively, a C-arm radiology unit was utilized to precisely localize the implant and guide retrieval. The displaced implant was successfully identified and removed without complications.
Hemostasis was achieved, and wound closure was performed in layers. The patient tolerated the procedure well.
