Comparison of alveolar osteitis with post implant removal osteitis (can a “dry socket” occur after implant removal?)

Abstract

The introduction of dental implants spawned an exponential growth in the number of fixtures being placed to meet the increasing functional and aesthetic demands of patients. In response, manufacturers have flooded the market with new, cheaper systems, and many general practitioners have begun placing implants to support restorations. Enhanced life expectancy means that implants placed in younger people are expected to function effectively over many years. Studies have shown that a certain low percentage of implants will develop early or late complications,1 and that the risks are greater with increased usage.2 It is thus anticipated that practitioners will be faced with increasing numbers of implant-related complications that will require appropriate management, or even implant removal.1 Hence the majority of complications will be in older persons where healing may be compromised due to physiological ageing, systemic medication, or other age-related factors.