Key local and surgical factors related to implant failure.

The concept of osseointegration has revolutionized the treatment options for the replacement of missing teeth in both partially and completely edentulous patients. Dental implants are widely used because clinical practice and studies have documented its successful outcomes. However, implants can occasionally fail, and such failures can be classified as early or late. Measures that can aid in the early recognition of failing osseointegrated implants are needed, as are measures that can facilitate appropriate treatment methods aimed at saving failing implants by determining the probable etiologic factors. This article summarizes our current understanding of the local factors that can be linked to implant failure.