Displacement of a root form implant into the mandibular canal

An unusual complication associated with the placement of osseointegrated root form implants is presented. Discussion of this complication focuses on treatment planning and anatomic considerations in the posterior mandible that impact the viability of implant placement. Vital structures in this location, including the mandibular canal, are often obscured on routine panoramic radiography. Tomograms of the maxilla or mandible can provide data on cortical plate thickness, location of vital structures, and the presence of large medullary spaces, information that will decrease the incidence of implant complications.