Endodontic pathology leading to implant failure--a case report

This case report documents both the placement of a single implant into an alveolar ridge site and the failure of the implant due to bacterial contamination from an endodontic lesion. After placement of the fixture using osteotomes, the adjacent bicuspid developed periapical pathology following prior crown preparation. This root-end inflammatory process proceeded to involve the mesial surface of the implant. Although endodontic therapy on the devitalized tooth was performed within one week, an osteitis developed around the implant. One month after placement, the fixture had to be removed to prevent additional sequela. The osteotomy site appeared to heal uneventfully, allowing for the placement of a tooth-supported, fixed, partial prosthesis.