Factors Affecting Dental Implant Failure: A Retrospective Analysis

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of dental implant failure, focusing on implant-related complications and associated risk factors. Understanding these factors will help improve treatment planning and enhance implant success rates. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted using clinical, medical, surgical, and radiographic records of patients who underwent dental implant removal due to complications. Key factors analyzed included patient-related variables (age, gender, medical conditions, periodontal disease), implant-related factors (implant site, implant system, restoration status), and procedural aspects (previous surgical interventions and reasons for implant removal). Results: The findings revealed that implant type (p = 0.004) and type of restoration (p = 0.001) significantly influenced implant survival. Gender (p = 0.001), medical conditions, smoking status (p = 0.004), and restoration status (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with specific failure mechanisms. Lack of osseointegration (36.4%) and absence of primary stability (22.4%) were the predominant causes of implant failure. Prior surgical interventions (p = 0.001) and decisions for re-implantation (p = 0.005) significantly affected implant removal frequency. Conclusions: Implant survival is influenced by multiple factors, with implant type, restoration type, and gender playing key roles in failure outcomes. Patient-specific risk assessment, particularly regarding medical conditions and smoking, meticulous surgical technique, and appropriate prosthetic planning, is vital for improving implant longevity and minimizing failure rates.