Characteristics of Early and Late Dental Implant Failures Among Patients in the Salt Lake City Veterans Hospital.

Introduction: In the United States alone, more than half a million new dental implants are placed annually, including patients in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Despite their widespread adoption, this treatment option is not devoid of complications and failures. Reported failure rates are 5-10% within the first decade after implantation, with a notable increase beyond this period. While implant failure has been extensively studied in the broader context, research specific to veterans is limited. Methods: This retrospective study was designed to investigate the Early and Late causes of dental implant failures within the Salt Lake City VHA Dental Clinic (SL VA) and to enhance clinical management of dental implants post-implantation. Results: This case-series study consists of 60 failed implants from 49 patients collected over a period of 3 years. Statistical analysis was conducted on risk factors associated with implant failures, patient demographics, and clinical characteristics. The data of this patient cohort, predominantly older males with a military background, revealed that Early implant failures were associated with ~90% increased relative odds with infection (p=0.03) and >70 years old at time of implantation (OR 0.11, 95% CI [0.02,0.65]; p=0.02), while Late failures were associated with progressive bone loss (OR 7.15, 95%CI [1.08,47.17]; p=0.041); clinical history and histology supported the statistical findings. Conclusion: Understanding the unique factors that contribute to Early and Late failures may improve initial integration rates and, ultimately, implant longevity.