"Compression Necrosis" - A Cause of Concern for Early Implant Failure? Case Report and Review of Literature.

Purpose: Compression necrosis refers to bone tissue damage that can occur when excessive pressure or force is applied to surrounding bone during implant placement. This pressure can compromise blood supply to the bone, leading to necrosis. Compression necrosis is a concern, because it can affect the stability and long-term success of dental implant.

Patients and methods: This case report highlights a case of early bone loss and implant failure possibly due to compression necrosis. Clinical data, photographs, radiographs, blood examination report and histology were presented to document the early failure of an implant placed in the mandibular left posterior region of a 33-year-old female patient.

Results: Radiograph taken six weeks after implant placement showed severe angular defect. Therefore, the implant was surgically removed. Histological examination of the area showed bony trabeculae with an absence of osteoblastic riming, suggestive of necrotic bone.

Conclusion: Using excessive torque values when placing implants in dense bones can increase the risk of implant failure due to bone over compression. Dental professionals must follow the manufacturer's instructions and employ quality surgical techniques during implant placement into dense cortical bone to minimise risks.