Purpose: To conduct a systematic review of the existing literature, evaluating the different implant removal techniques in terms of success rate, complications and implant site management. Materials and methods: Two independent reviewers conducted an electronic literature search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO databases as well as a manual search to identify eligible clinical studies up to August 12, 2024. The protocol was designed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Results: The initial electronic search resulted in 1076 studies. The systematic application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 45 articles that met the purpose of the study. A sample of 736 patients and 1381 implants removed was obtained from the selected articles. Peri-implantitis was the most common reason for explantation (79.3%), and twelve implant removal devices or techniques were identified. Complications associated with implant removal were reported in a total of 5 studies, including 16 implants (1.2%). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this systematic review, it can be established that in subjects requiring the removal of osseointegrated endosseous dental implants, the current removal techniques are very effective in terms of success and low complication rates. However, site management after implant removal was poorly reported.
Keywords: dental implants, osseointegration, peri-implantitis, device removal, alveolar bone loss, titanium
