Clinical Outcomes of Implant Placement Through Impacted Tooth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Conventional implant protocols require extraction of impacted teeth, risking bone loss and morbidity. This review evaluates implant placement through impacted teeth as a tissue-preserving alternative.

Objectives: To assess clinical success and complications of implants placed through impacted teeth—a minimally invasive alternative technique aimed at preserving alveolar bone.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and JBI tools, databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for human studies with ≥12 months’ follow-up. Meta-analysis employed fixed/random-effects models; heterogeneity was evaluated via I².

Results: From 262 records, seven studies (case reports/series) were included. Mean implant survival was 95.8% (range: 92.3–98.4%). Primary stability reached 98%. Complication rates were low (peri-implantitis 3.1%, implant failure 4.2%, marginal bone loss 2.8%). No significant differences in peri-implant bone loss versus conventional implants.
Conclusions: : Implant placement through impacted teeth demonstrates high short-term survival and low complication rates. While promising as a minimally invasive technique, larger randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are essential for validation.