Prevalence of Dental Implant Positioning Errors: A Radiographic Analysis

Objectives Implant placement errors remain a persistent challenge, leading to complications such as peri-implant bone loss, neurosensory issues, and, in severe cases, implant failure. This study evaluates the prevalence and characteristics of dental implant positioning errors in patients treated at the Dental University Hospital. Methods: A sample of 500 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans was used to assess implants for positioning errors, including thread exposure, proximity to anatomical structures, and violations of inter-implant and implant-tooth distances. Results: A total of 56.6% of the implants exhibited positioning errors, with the maxillary posterior region being the most commonly affected area (51.6%). The most frequent errors observed were thread exposure (37.7%) and implant proximity to the maxillary sinus (27.7%). Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between implant positioning errors and anatomical location, underscoring the need for meticulous preoperative planning and advanced imaging. While factors such as patient age, implant length, and diameter were analyzed, no statistically significant differences were found in error prevalence based on sex or demographic variables. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of combining clinical expertise with advanced imaging modalities like CBCT to minimize implant positioning errors and improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on refining surgical techniques and evaluating the impact of the implants' design and patient-specific factors on the accuracy of placements.