Abstract
Background. Dental implants are one of the most predictable and widely accepted treatment options for the rehabilitation of patients with edentulism. Implant fracture is one of the most severe mechanical complications and may result from excessive or repetitive mechanical loading, unfavorable biomechanical conditions, trauma, and peri-implant bone loss. Athletes, particularly those participating in contact and collision sports, are at increased risk of orofacial trauma.
The aim of this narrative review is to address the current clinical gap regarding dental implant fractures in the clinical group, including athletes. This review aims to evaluate the information included in the known literature on the potential relationship between athletic activity and implant-related complications while discussing biomechanical and risk factors, treatment approaches, and preventive measures.
Results. The reviewed literature identified dental implant fractures as a multifactorial complication associated primarily with excessive or repetitive mechanical loading, unfavorable biomechanical conditions, material fatigue, trauma, and peri-implant bone loss. Management depends on the extent of implant damage and the condition of the surrounding tissues. In athletes, sports-related orofacial trauma represents an additional potential risk for implant-supported restorations, and mouthguards remain an important preventive strategy.
Conclusions. Dental implant fractures in athletes remain an insufficiently studied clinical problem, particularly among individuals participating in high-risk contact and collision sports. Careful treatment planning, appropriate implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up are essential for athletes with dental implants. In addition, the use of properly fitted mouthguards should be strongly emphasized as an important preventive measure against sports-related orofacial trauma and potential damage to implant-supported restorations in the future.