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Volume 33 , Issue 4
July/August 2013
Pages e111–e119

What Do We Do After an Implant Fails? A Review of Treatment Alternatives for Failed Implants

Eli E. Machtei, DMD

PMID: 23820700
DOI: 10.11607/prd.1505

The problem of failed implants cannot be overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to explore treatment alternatives for failed implants and their strengths and shortcomings. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed and a manual search. Only five studies were identified that explored treatment in sites where implants had failed. In all five studies, the treatment alternative tested was the placement of a new implant in the failed site. The overall survival rate for such implants ranged from 71% to 92.3%. Four other alternatives are also discussed in light of data derived from other studies on the survival of various treatment strategies. These include: a continuation of the original plan using the remaining implants, modification of treatment to a tooth-supported fixed partial denture (FPD) or to a hybrid tooth-implant– supported FPD, or modification to a removable prosthesis. The selection of an appropriate alternative for failed implants is complex and involves biologic, mechanical, and psychologic considerations along with financial aspects. This should be a team decision with the patient’s opinion included. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2013;33:e111–e119. doi: 10.11607/prd.1505)

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