Etiology, occurrence, and consequences of implant loss

Implant therapy aims at providing the patient with a functional and esthetically pleasing rehabilitation in a long-term perspective. The loss of an implant constitutes a major complication, which may have an impact on the treatment plan and/or jeopardize the longevity of the restoration. Implant loss may occur during the phase of osseointegration (early) or at a later time when the previously achieved osseointegration is lost (late). The present work evaluates the evidence on the occurrence of both events and discusses etiology, risk factors, and consequences.