A novel, minimally invasive method to retrieve failed dental implants in elderly patients

This practice-based study presents the clinical outcomes of a minimally invasive method for retrieving failed dental implants from elderly patients. Traditional removal methods for failed dental implants include trephination and other invasive procedures. That can be a special concern for the elderly, since aging exacerbates oral surgery-related morbidity and anxiety. This retrospective cohort study gathers data from 150 patients seen in a private clinic. Their implants (n = 199) failed due to biological, mechanical, or iatrogenic causes, and were removed as part of their treatment plan. Collected data included: (1) implant location (maxilla/mandible, anterior/posterior region), (2) reasons for implant retrieval, (3) connection type, (4) removal torque, and (5) operatory procedure— flapless and using a counter-torque removal kit, whenever possible. Flapless/minimally invasive retrieval was successful for 193 implants (97%). The remaining six implants demanded trephination (open-flap). The most common reasons for implant retrieval (81%) involved biological aspects, whereas iatrogenic (12%) and biomechanical (7%) reasons were less common. The surgical technique used was not associated to connection types or removal torque. Authors conclude that a counter-torque ratchet system is a minimally invasive technique with a high success rate in retrieving implants from elderly patients. Present findings support its use as a first-line approach for implant retrieval in that population.