Factors Affecting Dental Implant Failure: A Retrospective Analysis

<b>Objectives:</b> This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of dental implant failure, focusing on implant-related complications and associated risk factors. Understanding these factors will help improve treatment planning and enhance implant success rates. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective case-control study was conducted using clinical, medical, surgical, and radiographic records of patients who underwent dental implant removal due to complications. Key factors analyzed included patient-related variables (age, gender, medical conditions, periodontal disease), implant-related factors (implant site, implant system, restoration status), and procedural aspects (previous surgical interventions and reasons for implant removal). <b>Results:</b> The findings revealed that implant type (<i>p</i> = 0.004) and type of restoration (<i>p</i> = 0.001) significantly influenced implant survival. Gender (<i>p</i> = 0.001), medical conditions, smoking status (<i>p</i> = 0.004), and restoration status (<i>p</i> = 0.005) were significantly associated with specific failure mechanisms. Lack of osseointegration (36.4%) and absence of primary stability (22.4%) were the predominant causes of implant failure. Prior surgical interventions (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and decisions for re-implantation (<i>p</i> = 0.005) significantly affected implant removal frequency. <b>Conclusions:</b> Implant survival is influenced by multiple factors, with implant type, restoration type, and gender playing key roles in failure outcomes. Patient-specific risk assessment, particularly regarding medical conditions and smoking, meticulous surgical technique, and appropriate prosthetic planning, is vital for improving implant longevity and minimizing failure rates.