Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Implant Failures

Turkey: A research team from the Faculty of Dentistry at Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey, conducted a retrospective study to examine the association between COVID-19 and early dental implant failures. The study also aimed to identify potential risk factors related to patient and implant characteristics that could contribute to early implant failure.

Data and Methodology

The study analyzed the records of 1228 patients who received a total of 4841 dental implants between March 11, 2020, and April 01, 2022, at Erciyes University Faculty of Dentistry. 

Information regarding COVID-19, patient age, gender, smoking habits, diabetes status, history of irradiation and chemotherapy, presence of osteoporosis, details of the implant system used, implant location, and other implant characteristics were recorded. The research team employed univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression to assess the influence of these factors on early implant failures.

Findings

At the implant level, the overall early implant failure rate was found to be 3.1%. At the patient level, the rate of early implant failures was slightly higher, reaching 10.4%. The study revealed that smokers faced a significantly higher risk of early implant failure compared to nonsmokers, with an odds ratio of 2.140 (95% CI: 1.438–3.184) and a p-value less than 0.001. 

Additionally, implants with a length of 8 mm or less showed a higher risk of early failure than longer implants (≥12 mm), with an odds ratio of 2.089 (95% CI: 1.290–3.382) and a p-value of 0.003.

No Significant Impact of COVID-19

Surprisingly, the study did not find a significant effect of COVID-19 on early implant failures. Instead, the research highlighted smoking and short implant length as major risk factors for early implant failure.

Understanding the factors that contribute to early implant failures is crucial for dental professionals and patients alike. The study’s findings underscore the importance of discouraging smoking, as it increases the risk of implant failure. Furthermore, choosing implant lengths that provide optimal stability and bone integration can play a critical role in ensuring implant success.

As dental professionals continue to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, this research contributes valuable insights into dental implant outcomes and reinforces the significance of preventive measures for successful dental procedures.

Read the full article: COVID-19 as a factor associated with early dental implant failures: A retrospective analysis.