Localized osteomyelitis secondary to endodontic-implant pathosis. A case report

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Infectious Disease in Dentistry

Background:

• Immediate implant placement in extraction sockets is a common procedure.
• Maintaining aseptic technique and managing adjacent tooth vitality are crucial.
• Periapical pathosis can compromise implant success.

Observation:

• A single implant fixture was placed in an incisor extraction socket.
• The adjacent lateral incisor developed periapical pathosis within two weeks.
• Inflammation from the adjacent tooth communicated with the implant surface.

Findings:

• Despite timely endodontic therapy on the devitalized adjacent tooth, extensive osteomyelitis developed around the implant.
• The implant fixture had to be removed three weeks after placement due to infection.
• The osteotomy site showed signs of uneventful healing one month post-removal.

Implications:

• This case underscores the risk of infection transmission from adjacent compromised teeth to immediate implants.
• Careful assessment of adjacent tooth vitality and periapical health is critical before immediate implant placement.
• Understanding potential etiological factors is essential for preventing similar complications in dental implantology.