Implants · single question
What is the MOST COMMON cause of implant failure?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Smoking
B) Smoking — CORRECT.
Smoking is the single most significant modifiable risk factor for implant failure, affecting both early (osseointegration failure) and late (peri-implantitis) stages. Nicotine impairs blood flow, fibroblast function, collagen synthesis, and immune response — all critical for osseointegration. Smokers have 2–3× higher implant failure rates.
A) Poor oral hygiene: A major risk factor for peri-implantitis (late failure) but smoking is more commonly cited as the primary cause overall.
C) Osteoporosis: A risk factor but not the MOST common cause — bisphosphonate therapy (MRONJ risk) is more relevant.
D) Bruxism: Significant risk factor for mechanical failure but not the most common cause overall.
Smoking is the single most significant modifiable risk factor for implant failure, affecting both early (osseointegration failure) and late (peri-implantitis) stages. Nicotine impairs blood flow, fibroblast function, collagen synthesis, and immune response — all critical for osseointegration. Smokers have 2–3× higher implant failure rates.
A) Poor oral hygiene: A major risk factor for peri-implantitis (late failure) but smoking is more commonly cited as the primary cause overall.
C) Osteoporosis: A risk factor but not the MOST common cause — bisphosphonate therapy (MRONJ risk) is more relevant.
D) Bruxism: Significant risk factor for mechanical failure but not the most common cause overall.