EC Dental Science

Objective: To describe a simplified, low-cost, and clinically applicable technique for removing Garbaccio-type implants using a conventional locking plier associated with cervical bone reduction.

Case Report: An 80-year-old female patient presented for full oral rehabilitation. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed multiple outdated Garbaccio-type implants placed over 30 years ago, as well as a conventional implant in the region of tooth 23.

Implant removal was indicated to allow optimal positioning of new osseointegrated implants. The proposed technique consisted of cervical bone reduction followed by mechanical engagement using a locking plier, enabling reverse torque application (retriever-like effect).

Four mandibular implants were successfully removed. The maxillary implant fractured at the apical portion, preventing complete removal. The conventional implant showed failure of the reverse torque retriever, which fractured inside the implant. The locking plier technique was subsequently applied successfully.

Results: The technique enabled effective implant removal with minimal bone loss and allowed predictable placement of new implants and prosthetic rehabilitation.

Conclusion: The proposed method represents a viable, accessible, and effective alternative for removing obsolete implant systems and conventional implants with fractured retrieval devices.

Keywords: Dental Implants; Implant Removal; Garbaccio; Oral Rehabilitation; Implant Dentistry

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