Implant failure: Etiology and complications

The possible occurrence of implant failure is a major concern for implantologists and knowledge in such unavoidable fact is clinically essential. Periimplantitis is an inflammatory response in which there is a loss of the bony support of the implant. Diagnosis is based on the clinical signs of infection such as hyperplastic soft tissues, suppuration, colour changes of the marginal peri-implant tissues and gradual bone loss. This site-specific infection may have many features in common with chronic adult periodontitis. Surgical trauma, micromotion and overload are also considered to be associated with implant failures. The lack of osseointegration is generally distinguished by implant mobility and radiological radiolucency. Here, the implant is considered to be failed. Progressive marginal bone loss without marked mobility is referring to a failing implant. The purpose of this concise review was to discuss the implant complications and failure by highlighting the major etiologic factors as well as the parameters used for evaluating such failure.