Clinical and Histologic Features of a Nonaxial Load on the Osseointegration of a Posterior Mandibular Implant: Report of a Case

The authors report on the clinical and histologic features of a single implant replacing a mandibular molar, which fractured after a 1-year loading period. Because of anatomic factors, the implant had been placed in an angulated position. The histologic examination showed a very high percentage of bone-implant contact. The bone located at the interface with the implant was mature, compact, and had few marrow spaces. No resorption areas were present, and no connective tissue was seen at the interface. Most likely, the lateral nonaxial forces exerted on the implant created very high bending moments. These forces produced a fracture of the implant, although no loss of osseointegration was observed at the interface. Keywords: axial loading, bending moments, commercially pure titanium, implant failure, implant fracture, overloading