Displacement of Dental Implants Into the Mandibular Bone Marrow Space: Cause and Treatment. A Case Study and Literature Review

Figure 1. (Case 1) The implant was displaced into the mandibular bone marrow during surgery. Figure 2. (Case 1) Displaced implant located lingual to the inferior alveolar nerve. Figure 3. (Case 2) During fixture placement at the left second molar area, the implant was displaced into the marrow cavity. Figure 4. (Case 2) Displaced implant located at the buccal side of the inferior alveolar nerve. Figure 5. (Case 2) Exposure of displaced implant via the lateral window approach. Figure 6. (Case 3) Displacement of a dental implant into the mandibular marrow space. Figure 7. (Case 3) Computerized tomography scan showed the displaced implant positioned buccally to the inferior alveolar nerve. Figure 8. (Case 3) The displaced implant visualized after the lateral decortication near the inferior border of the mandible.

Figure 9. (Case 4) During the implant insertion at the right second premolar region, the implant was accidentally displaced into the mandibular bone marrow space. Figure 10. (Case 4) The apex of the displaced implant was positioned just behind the inferior alveolar nerve. Figure 11. (Case 5) The implant was dropped into the mandibular bone marrow space near the lower border. Figure 12. (Case 5) The implant displaced lingually and under the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Figure 13. (Case 5) The inferior alveolar nerve was exposed through the lateral window. Figure 14. Schematic procedure of the removal of a displaced implant according to the crestal and lateral approaches. The lateral approach is recommended in cases with a deeply displaced implant into the mandibular bone marrow space. If the implant is not deeply displaced and located above the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), it can be removed after enlargement of the drill hole, ensuring the safe removal of the fixture.