Dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth due to their high success rate and ability to restore function and aesthetics. However, like any surgical procedure, implant placement is not free of complications.
📌 Recommended Article :
Video 🔽 Prevention of peri-implantitis - 3D Video ... In initial stages, inflammation occurs without compromising the bone. This process is called peri-implant mucositis. When the disease progresses it takes the name of peri-implantitisUnderstanding the nature of these complications—ranging from peri-implant diseases to mechanical failures—is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate management. This article reviews the most common problems associated with dental implants, including their definitions, clinical characteristics, diagnostic strategies, and current treatment options.
Advertisement
✅ 1. Peri-Implant Mucositis
➤ Definition:
° Peri-implant mucositis is a reversible inflammatory reaction of the soft tissues surrounding a dental implant without accompanying bone loss.
➤ Clinical Features:
° Redness and swelling of peri-implant mucosa
° Bleeding on probing (BOP)
° No radiographic bone loss
° Patient may report mild discomfort or sensitivity
➤ Diagnosis:
° Probing depth measurement
° Presence of BOP
° Radiographs confirm absence of bone loss
° Exclusion of other causes such as food impaction or residual cement
➤ Treatment:
° Mechanical debridement with plastic or titanium curettes
° Antimicrobial mouth rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine)
° Improved patient oral hygiene
° Re-evaluation after 2–4 weeks
📌 Recommended Article :
Video 🔽 Dental implant: What complications can there be after surgery? ... Some complications may be relatively minor and easy to correct, while others will be greater and will cause loss of the implant or prosthesis✅ 2. Peri-Implantitis
➤ Definition:
° Peri-implantitis is a progressive inflammatory disease affecting both the soft and hard tissues around an osseointegrated implant, leading to bone loss.
➤ Clinical Features:
° BOP and/or suppuration
° Increased probing depth (>5 mm)
° Progressive radiographic bone loss
° Possible implant mobility in advanced cases
➤ Diagnosis:
° Periodontal charting (baseline comparison)
° Radiographic bone level analysis
° Microbial analysis in severe or refractory cases
➤ Treatment:
° Mechanical debridement and antiseptic therapy
° Local or systemic antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin + metronidazole)
° Surgical intervention (e.g., resective or regenerative surgery)
° Implant surface decontamination with lasers or air abrasives
📌 Recommended Article :
Video 🔽 What's the Difference Between Dental Implants and Bridges? ... A correct evaluation by the dentist ensures a good rehabilitation, the most important thing is that we leave the dental office with a nice smile✅ 3. Implant Failure (Early and Late)
➤ Definition:
° Implant failure is classified as early (before osseointegration) or late (after functional loading), resulting in implant mobility or loss.
➤ Clinical Features:
° Pain or discomfort on function
° Mobility of implant
° Radiographic evidence of peri-implant radiolucency
° Soft tissue inflammation
➤ Diagnosis:
° Clinical mobility testing
° Percussion and tactile evaluation
° Radiographs to assess integration and bone levels
➤ Treatment:
° Removal of failed implant
° Management of infection or bone defects
° Possible delayed or immediate re-implantation depending on case
📌 Recommended Article :
Dental Article 🔽 Step-by-Step Dental Implants: A Guide for Patients ... This comprehensive guide provides information based on certified and verifiable sources, aimed at patients considering this treatment✅ 4. Mechanical Complications
a. Screw Loosening or Fracture
➤ Definition:
° Mechanical dislodgment or breakage of abutment or prosthetic screws.
➤ Clinical Features:
° Mobility of crown or prosthesis
° Clicking or instability during function
° Possible pain or soft tissue trauma
➤ Diagnosis:
° Clinical inspection
° Radiographs to detect screw fracture or misfit
➤ Treatment:
° Retightening or replacement of screws
° Use of torque-controlled drivers
° Avoidance of occlusal overload
b. Prosthetic Fracture (e.g., Crown or Bridge)
➤ Definition:
° Fracture of the prosthetic components due to stress, fatigue, or poor design.
➤ Clinical Features:
° Fractured ceramic or acrylic visible
° Aesthetic compromise
° Patient may report altered bite or discomfort
➤ Diagnosis:
° Clinical examination
° Assessment of occlusal forces and design flaws
➤ Treatment:
° Repair or replacement of prosthesis
° Occlusal adjustment
° Use of more durable materials (e.g., zirconia)
📌 Recommended Article :
Video 🔽 Patient Prevention: Dental Implant Failures ... The patient must be informed before performing the surgery, about the care they should have after the surgical procedure, regarding their diet and hygiene, thus avoiding serious consequences✅ 5. Neurological Complications
➤ Definition:
° Nerve injury typically occurs during implant placement in the mandibular region, resulting in temporary or permanent paresthesia.
➤ Clinical Features:
° Numbness or tingling of lower lip, chin, or tongue
° Burning sensation
° Pain or discomfort during healing
➤ Diagnosis:
° Clinical sensory testing (light touch, pinprick)
° Radiographic assessment of implant proximity to nerve canal
° Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) if needed
➤ Treatment:
° Immediate implant removal if impingement is suspected
° Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
° Referral to a neurologist for persistent symptoms
📌 Recommended Article :
Video 🔽 What is Peri-implantitis and how do we prevent it? 3D video ... Among the risk factors for the presence of peri-implantitis we can name: bacterial microbiology, occlusal overload, poor oral hygiene, smoking, gum condition💬 Discussion
Dental implant complications can significantly impact treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Peri-implant diseases, including mucositis and peri-implantitis, are among the most common biological complications and share many features with periodontal diseases. Mechanical and neurological complications, although less frequent, require early recognition and targeted management. Preventive strategies such as accurate surgical planning, patient education, and regular maintenance therapy play a vital role in minimizing the occurrence of complications.
💡 Conclusion
While dental implants are highly predictable, complications—both biological and mechanical—can arise. Timely identification and management based on clinical and radiographic findings are essential for preserving implant function and health. Clinicians must stay updated on the latest diagnostic protocols and treatment strategies to ensure long-term success and patient safety.
📚 References
✔ Lang, N. P., Berglundh, T., & Working Group 4 of the Seventh European Workshop on Periodontology. (2011). Periimplant diseases: Where are we now? – Consensus of the Seventh European Workshop on Periodontology. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 38(s11), 178–181. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01674.x
✔ Heitz-Mayfield, L. J., & Mombelli, A. (2014). The therapy of peri-implantitis: A systematic review. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 29(Suppl), 325–345. https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.2014suppl.g5.3
✔ Esposito, M., Hirsch, J. M., Lekholm, U., & Thomsen, P. (1998). Biological factors contributing to failures of osseointegrated oral implants. (I). Success criteria and epidemiology. European Journal of Oral Sciences, 106(1), 527–551. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0909-8836.1998.eos106111.x
✔ Misch, C. E. (2020). Dental Implant Prosthetics (3rd ed.). Mosby.
📌 More Recommended Items
► Dental Bridges: Step by Step Procedure
► What are the pros and cons of flexible dentures?
► Oral lesions related to dentures
