Dental implant fractures - aetiology, treatment and case report.

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment options of dental implants fractures through a literature review and to relate a clinical report. METHODS A literature review was performed using the Medline database and this paper describes a case demonstrating the management of implant fracture. Twenty two articles were selected in the present literature review. RESULTS Nowadays the use of dental implants to rehabilitate completely and partially edentulous patients became the best treatment option; however, this treatment is suitable to failure. The fracture of implant body is a possible complication. The fracture of implant body is a late complication and is related to the failure in implant design or material, non-passive fitting of the prosthetic crown and overloading. Clinically, prosthesis instability and spontaneous bleeding are observed. Three options of treatment have been indicated: complete removal of implant fragment, maintenance of implant fragment, and surface preparation of the fragment with insertion of a new abutment. CONCLUSION The literature indicates the complete removal of the fragment as the best treatment option.