Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising Around Osseointegrated Dental Implants

PURPOSE: This literature review investigates the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) around osseointegrated dental implants (DI). METHODS: Databases were searched from 1989 up to and including November 2011. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) original studies, (2) clinical studies and case reports, (3) reference lists of the relevant original and review articles, (4) intervention: occurrence of OSSC around osseointegrated DI, and (5) articles published only in English language. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. In nine studies, the dental implant patients with diagnosed OSCC had previously been exposed to cancer. In five studies, the patients presented with a history of habitual tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: OSCC is more likely to arise around osseointegrated DI in patients with a previous history of cancer. However, the role of other factors including tobacco and alcohol usage cannot be disregarded.