Management and prevention of retrograde peri-implant infection from retained root tips: two case reports

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2004 Oct;24(5):422-33. doi: 10.11607/prd.00.0604.

Abstract

Fracture of root tips in the maxillary premolar region is not an uncommon finding because of the high incidence of bifid and root dilacerations. Therefore, a retained root tip may serve as a nidus of infection when a dental implant is placed. The likely result is the development of an implant periapical lesion. This case report shows the successful management of a rapidly developing implant periapical lesion caused by an undetected retained root tip. Initially, systemic antibiotics failed to subdue the infection. A retained root fragment was retrieved surgically, together with the implant, and a new wide-body implant was engaged with DFDBA mixed with tetracycline. A 5-month follow-up showed increased radiographic density, and clinical reentry revealed the formation of bone with a hard consistency. The second case demonstrates the management of a retained root tip via a guided bone regeneration technique when it is detected prior to or during implant placement. Finally, a systematic therapeutic approach is proposed based on 17 case reports on implant periapical lesion management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bone Regeneration / physiology
  • Bone Transplantation
  • Dental Fistula / prevention & control
  • Dental Fistula / therapy
  • Dental Implants*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteolysis / prevention & control
  • Osteolysis / therapy
  • Periapical Diseases / prevention & control
  • Periapical Diseases / therapy*
  • Tetracycline / administration & dosage
  • Tooth Fractures / complications*
  • Tooth Fractures / surgery
  • Tooth Root / injuries*
  • Tooth Root / surgery

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dental Implants
  • Tetracycline