Third attempt to place implants in sites where previous surgeries have failed

Area of Science:

• Dental implantology
• Oral surgery
• Reconstructive dentistry

Background:

• Re-implantation in previously failed dental sites shows lower survival rates.
• A third implant attempt at a site with two prior failures is uncommon but sometimes necessary.
• This study investigates the survival of implants placed for a third time in the same location.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the survival rate of dental implants placed for the third time in the same anatomical site.
• To compare the outcomes of third-attempt implants with those of previous attempts in the same patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 15 third-attempt implants in 12 patients with two previous implant failures at the site.
• Documentation of patient medical history, smoking status, implant dimensions, and survival.
• Consistent use of the same implant type and surgeon across all three attempts for each patient.

Main Results:

• Six of the 15 third-attempt implants failed, resulting in a 60.0% survival rate.
• Implant dimensions (length and diameter) did not significantly differ between the first, second, and third attempts.
• The mean follow-up period for surviving implants was 44.1 months.

Conclusions:

• Third-attempt dental implants in previously failed sites exhibit significantly lower survival rates.
• These findings highlight the reduced success probability of multiple implantations in compromised locations.
• The study underscores the importance of considering alternative treatments when feasible.