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

This case report documents the placement of a single implant fixture in an incisor extraction socket, with the adjacent lateral incisor developing periapical pathosis within 2 weeks. This root-end inflammatory process proceeded to communicate with the surface of the implant fixture. Although endodontic therapy was performed within one week on the devitalized tooth, and extensive osteomyelitis developed around the implant. Three weeks after placement, the fixture had to be removed. The osteotomy site appeared to be healing uneventfully during the one month follow-up period. Seven possible causes for this occurrence are discussed.