A retrospective analysis of replacing dental implants in previously failed sites.

OBJECTIVE: Overall first-year failure rate for dental implants may reach 3%-8% as the result of various complications. Accordingly, reimplantation accounts for an ever-growing portion of clinic's practice. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the survival rate of dental implants that were performed in sites where failed implants were previously removed and to evaluate the factors affecting outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Three certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons inserted 144 implant replacement in previously failed sites in 144 patients (1994-2009). Clinical and epidemiologic data were collected retrospectively and analyzed regarding survival rates. RESULTS: Survival rate of the implants replacing previously failed ones was 93% (133/144). A third placement in the same site was performed in 7 of 11 patients with a survival rate of 85% (6/7) up to the last follow-up. No correlations were found between replaced implant failures with any of the parameters examined. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that a previous implant failure should not discourage practitioners from a second or even a third attempt.