Background: a lower survival rate for re-implantation in previously failed sites was reported. A third implant attempt in sites where previous implants have failed twice is rare; however, it may be necessary where other treatment alternatives are unacceptable. The aim of the present report is to explore the survival of implants placed three times at the same site.
Methods: patients in whom a third attempt of implant placement at sites where two implants failed previously were evaluated. Medical history and smoking were recorded. The implant dimension, characteristics and survival were documented. The same implant and surgeon were involved in all three attempts.
Results: fifteen third attempt implants in 12 patients were evaluated. The average age of the patients at first implantation was 48.8 ± 14.1 years. Six of the 15 second re-do implants have failed (60.0% survival rate). Smoking was reported by two patients. The implants that survived were followed for 44.1 ± 35 months (range 4-86). The mean implant length and diameter did not vary between attempts: the mean implant width/lengths were 3.6 ± 0.3/12.2 ± 1.4, 3.7 ± 0.3/12.6 ± 1.5 and 3.80 ± 0.3/12.4 ± 1.6 mm for the first, second and third attempts, respectively (p>0.05).
Conclusions: a third attempt to place implants in sites where two implants had failed previously results in significantly lower survival rates compared with similar procedures in pristine sites.