[Peri-implantitis or squamous cell carcinoma?]. / Péri-implantite ou carcinome épidermoïde?

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma developed around dental implants has seldom been described. It simulates peri-implantitis. The authors present two cases and a literature review. CASE REPORTS: A 70 year-old woman presented with an exophytic tumor developed around dental implants placed in the anterior part of the mandible. Panoramic X-rays showed major osteolysis, especially around the distal abutment implants. A 72 year-old patient, smoker, presented with chronic lichen planus; he was carrying two implants supporting an overdenture with ball-attachments, placed 15 years before. He presented with an ulcerated symphyseal tumor, bone loss around implant in position 43. The implant had been spontaneously pushed out. In both cases the diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. DISCUSSION: Few cases of squamous cell carcinoma developed around dental implants have been reported. They initially mimic peri-implantitis. The carcinogenic role of the implant has never been established. Another hypothesis is the migration of malignant cells, originating from a mucosal tumor, through the sulcus. Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma (smoking or alcohol consumption, precancerous lesions) are an indication for a permanent follow-up. Biopsies will prove the diagnosis.

[Implant fracture: a complication of treatment with dental implants--review of the literature].

Dental implants are a functional and esthetic solution to partial and total edentulism. The initial success rate of this treatment modality is 90-95%. But, that treatment modality is not free of complications. One of the rare complications yet, with severe clinical results is fracture of dental implants. The current literature review presents the various causative factors that may lead to implant fracture. Implant failures may be sorted into groups by the timing of their appearance, or by the origin of failure. Fractures belong to the group of late complications, caused by a biomechanical overload. Overload may be caused by inappropriate seat of the superstructure, in-line arrangement of the implants, leverage, heavy occlusal forces (bruxing, clenching), location of the implant and the size of the implant or metal fatigue. Good clinical examinations and correct treatment plans may reduce the risk of implant fracture.