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Histopathologic observations on late oral implant failures.
M Esposito1, P Thomsen, L E Ericson
1Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Göteborg University, PO Box 420, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research
|May 19, 2001
Summary
Late failed osseointegrated oral implants may fail due to excessive occlusal load or infection. Histological analysis revealed inflammatory infiltrates and fibrous tissue surrounding mobile implants, suggesting these factors contribute to implant failure.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology
- Biomaterials Science
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Osseointegrated oral implants have high success rates, but failures still occur.
- Understanding failure mechanisms is crucial for minimizing implant loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology of tissues around late-failed Brånemark implants.
- To correlate these findings with clinical and radiographic data to identify etiologic factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrieved ten failed implants and surrounding tissues from nine patients.
- Analyzed tissues using light and transmission electron microscopy after electrochemical dissolution.
- Correlated histological findings with clinical mobility, pain, fistula presence, and radiographic bone loss.
Main Results:
- Mobile implants showed radiolucent lines and were surrounded by dense fibrous tissue with minimal inflammation.
- Epithelial downgrowth was observed in four implants; nonmineralized bone contact in two.
- One implant had bacterial plaque colonization; a stable implant showed bone-implant contact.
Conclusions:
- Excessive occlusal load is a likely major etiologic factor in late implant failures.
- Infection was implicated in two cases.
- Histological findings provide insights into the mechanisms of implant failure.