Osseointegrated implant failures

This article discusses the criteria used for implant success and failure, the classification of implant failures, the causative factors, and diagnosis of the failing and failed implant. In spite of the impressive success rates of osseointegrated dental implants, failures occur and in some studies the incidence of failure is high. Many studies do not use objective criteria to define success and confuse survival with success. The criteria used affect reported success rates. Implant failures may occur early (primary) after implant placement or after the implant is loaded (secondary). There is no single aetiological factor and failures have been attributed to poor surgical technique, host factors that impair healing, poor bone quality, peri-implant infections, poor prosthesis design and traumatic loading conditions. Early diagnosis of problems is critical and every effort should be made to treat the problem while the damage can still be managed or even reversed.