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A microscopical evaluation of 24 retrieved failed hollow implants
A Piattelli1, A Scarano, M Piattelli
1Dental School, University of Chieti, Italy. apiattelli@unich.it
Biomaterials
|April 16, 1999
Summary
Hollow ITI implants retrieved due to failure often showed advanced inflammatory processes, including calculus and plaque, reaching the implant
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials Science
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Hollow ITI implants were retrieved over an eight-year period due to failure.
- Failures were attributed to mobility, pain, and vertical bone loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a common cause for the failure of hollow ITI implant designs.
- To evaluate the pathological conditions associated with retrieved hollow ITI implants.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory evaluation of 24 retrieved hollow ITI implants (screws and cylinders).
- Microscopical analysis of implant surfaces and surrounding bone.
- No selection criteria were applied to the retrieved implants.
Main Results:
- Approximately two-thirds of implants were unstable at retrieval.
- Inflammatory processes, including calculus and plaque, were prevalent on implant surfaces.
- Infection often reached the hollow portion, exacerbated by poor vascularity.
Conclusions:
- A common factor in hollow ITI implant failure appears to be advanced inflammatory processes.
- The hollow design may facilitate rapid infection spread due to limited vascularity.
- Microscopical findings indicate significant pathological changes in failed implants.