Management of complications during implant and periodontal surgeries by Dr. Giacomo Tarquini

Periodontal and dental implant surgeries have become routine treatment in dentistry and are generally considered to be safe and predictable surgical procedures with a high success rate. However, complications should be taken into consideration because they can follow both implant and periodontal surgical procedures. Many of the complications can be resolved without major problems; however, in some cases, they can cause failures with different degrees of severity. Although serious issues are uncommon, periodontal and implant surgery is not free of complications, as complications may occur at any stage, from treatment planning to post-op management; the selection of the most suitable treatment technique, a flawless execution of surgical procedure and an accurate evaluation of any possible complications associated with it are considered crucial for paving way towards favorable outcomes. Therefore, careful analysis via imaging, precise surgical techniques and a firm understanding of local anatomy as well as a great familiarity with surgical protocols are essential in preventing complications. As clinicians, we should be able to diagnose the etiology and provide the proper management of these complications without causing much of discomfort to the patients; prompt recognition of a developing problem and correct management are needed to minimize postoperative complications. Moreover, we should be aware of any possible complications so that the patient can be properly informed. All these topics are discussed on the basis of speaker’s personal experience and in the light of most recent high level scientific evidence.