[The surgical complications of dental implants]

Replacing missing teeth with osseointegrated dental implants is a predictable technique as evidenced by the overall five-year implant survival rates ranging 93% to 97%. Few studies, however, address systematically the frequency or natural history of complications related to the use of dental implants. Reported complication rates range so widely, i.e. 1%-40%, as to be rendered clinically meaningless. Differences in reported rates may be attributable to differing definitions of complications. Even less has been written about risk factors for developing surgical complications related to the use of dental implants. Knowledge regarding the type and frequency of complications that can occur with implants is an important aspect of treatment planning, surgeon-patient communication, informed consent and post-treatment care. The purposes of this chapter are to: 1) summarize the reported types and frequencies of implant-associated complications, 2) identify risk factors for developing complications associated with the use of dental implants, and 3) to suggest strategies to avoid complications.