Removal of a 40-Year-Old Infected Mandibular Staple Implant and a Fixed Reconstruction: A Case Report
By
Sadesh Kumar
Martinos K. Gavathas
Rocksan M Cortez
Raahil E Imami
Thomas J. Balshi
March 1, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Removal of a 40-Year-Old Infected Mandibular Staple Implant and a Fixed Reconstruction: A Case Report
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Infected mandibular staple implant Key Mechanisms Chronic infection and bone loss associated with long-term staple implant use Target Population Elderly patients with mandibular implants Care Setting Dental surgical office
Key Highlights
85-year-old patient with recurrent infections from a mandibular staple implant Digital planning facilitated safe implant removal and reconstruction Surgical challenges included severe bone atrophy and infection Successful rehabilitation achieved with narrow-diameter endosseous implants Complications of staple implants include infections and implant mobility Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Clinical examination and imaging (CBCT) to assess bone loss and infection Management
Removal of infected staple implant and debridement of infected tissue Use of corticocancellous allografts for reconstruction Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular follow-up for infection control and implant integration Risks
Potential for mandibular fracture during implant removal Risk of postoperative infections Patient & Prescribing Data
Elderly patients with chronic infections related to dental implants
Postoperative antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole) prescribed to manage infection
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize digital planning for complex implant removals Employ tissue engineering techniques for bone reconstruction Ensure thorough debridement of infected sites before reconstruction References
