Retrieval and analysis of explanted and in situ implants including bone grafts

This article briefly explains the process of, and provides examples from, dental surgical implant device retrieval and analysis. Study results of three areas where unique and new information has been or is being published within professional journals are summarized. An analysis of past and current activities strongly supports opportunities for more in-depth investigations of explanted and postmortem-type specimens. It seems that these types of protocols will be supportive of more fully investigating the clinical applications for successful and unsuccessful outcomes of evolving tissue-engineered medical products as alternatives to some types of synthetic-origin implant devices.