What is the most common failure of osseointegration after implant placement?

The most common failure of osseointegration after implant placement is micromovement. Micromovement refers to the slight movement of the dental implant during the healing phase, which can impede the process of osseointegration — the integration of the implant with the surrounding bone. Successful osseointegration requires stability at the implant site, allowing for the appropriate biological response in the bone. If there is excessive movement, it can lead to a disruption in the formation of bone-implant contacts, preventing the bone from fusing effectively with the implant.

While infection, excessive loading, and bone resorption can also contribute to implant failure, they are generally not as frequent as issues arising from micromovement. Infection can occur, especially if proper sterilization protocols are not followed; however, it is often a result of other complicating factors rather than a primary failure of osseointegration. Excessive loading pertains to the mechanical stress placed on the implant, which generally comes into play after the initial osseointegration phase. Bone resorption is a later consequence that can occur due to factors such as inadequate bone-to-implant contact, but it is not typically the immediate reason for failure in the early stages post-implant placement. Thus, micromovement