Implants: success and failure--a literature review.

There has been increased emphasis within the literature regarding the ailing (treatable) and failing (non-treatable) implant. This review will describe current literature regarding the criteria for implant failure and explains what factors influence the likelihood of failure. Failure mechanisms can be divided into those occurring prior to, and after osseointegration. Progressive peri-implant bone loss together with a soft tissue inflammatory lesion can be defined as peri-implantitis, and is a major cause of failure after osseointegration. Regular maintenance of implants is critical to monitor the peri-implant situation for early detection of the signs of implant failure. More research is required involving diagnostic parameters in the early recognition of implant failure.