Jordan Journal of Dentistry

Mechanical Failures and Complications of Single Implant-Supported Crown Restorations: An Overview

Authors:

Wael Al-Omari; Osama Lubbad; Majd Y U'wais; Abdullah M Al-Rifai; Afaf Ba'alawi;

Abstract:

Although dental implant therapy generally demonstrates a high overall success rate, various biological, mechanical, and esthetic factors can occasionally lead to implant failure. Mechanical failures are often the result of excessive or uneven forces on the implant or prosthetic components. These mechanical issues can manifest as screw loosening, fractures of the prosthetic crown or abutment, or even complete implant failure, which typically occur when the implant and its prosthetic components are unable to withstand the masticatory forces generated during normal chewing, biting, and other functional activities. To reduce the risk of these mechanical complications, careful and comprehensive planning is vital from the outset. This includes an in-depth assessment of the patient's oral health, occlusion, and functional demands. The design of the prosthetic framework should be optimized to ensure it is capable of distributing occlusal forces evenly across the implant structure. The accuracy of implant placement is crucial as well, as deviations in position can result in improper load distribution, leading to mechanical failure. Moreover, selecting the right prosthetic materials plays a critical role in the longevity of the restoration. Materials must not only be durable and resistant to wear, but also compatible with the forces generated by the patient’s masticatory system. Equally important is the consideration of a patient’s individual force factors, which can greatly influence implant success, such as parafunctional habits and bruxism. In such cases, it may be necessary to modify treatment plans, consider splint therapy, or incorporate materials designed to withstand higher forces. These preventive measures, along with a tailored approach to each patient’s unique needs, are key to minimizing complications and enhancing the overall success rate of dental implants.

Keywords:

Single implants, Crowns, Mechanical failure, Complications