Long-Term Prognosis Of An Implant Osteointegrated With The Root Remnant On-Site: A Case Report

There is a growing demand for implant dentistry as the first rehabilitation choice for treating patients with missing teeth. Clinicians can encounter asymptomatic retained root fragments in edentulous spaces. This case report presents the long-term prognosis of an implant resulting in late failure with an osteointegrated root remnant on the fixture 11 years after implant placement. A 68-year-old female patient presented to the clinic with complaints of function related to a maxillary right 4-unit implant-supported bridge 11 years after the first insertion of the implants. After removal of the restoration, a root remnant was observed as osteointegrated on the fixture of the middle supporting implant. The implant was placed encroaching upon the mesial part of the residual root fragment left unintentionally, which was discovered accidentally during bridge removal. Clinicians should show ultimate attention when utilizing the retained root remnants in implant sites considering the potential risk of hindering osteointegration. However, osteointegration of the encroached implant and root fragment is plausible, with no observed adverse effects. A risk-benefit evaluation should be assessed individually.