Cement-retained restoration excess cement left behind
What it is
Failing to completely remove excess luting cement from the subgingival margins of a cement-retained implant restoration. Residual cement acts as a foreign body in the peri-implant sulcus, triggering an inflammatory response that mimics or accelerates peri-implantitis.
Why it happens
• Deep subgingival margins (>1.5mm below tissue) making cement removal impossible • Using cements that are difficult to detect radiographically (composite-based cements are radiolucent) • Inadequate visibility during cementation (no magnification, poor light) • Not using a custom abutment with a defined cement margin at or slightly below tissue level • Over-loading cement — using too much and allowing excess to extrude subgingivally • Not taking a verification radiograph after cementation
The full clinical mistake entry includes
- How to avoid it — the prevention protocol
- The clinical tip experienced clinicians use
- The documented reference behind the mistake
More clinical mistakes
Dentalverse is an educational resource for dental students and dentists. This page is a study reference — it is not medical advice and does not replace clinical judgment. Always follow your institution's protocols and your supervisor's guidance.