An Interview with Dr. Charles Mastrovich
“In my journey as a restorative and general dentist, I’ve been asked countless times about my skills and expertise.
It’s always heartwarming when patients tell me their doctors refer to me as the ‘MacGyver’ of implant rescue. It’s a badge of honor that comes from tackling complex dental cases with care and precision. Being recognized among peers in such a specialized field is incredibly humbling for me. I’ve always believed in the mantra of under-promising and over-performing, and it’s brought me to where I am today.”
To learn more about Dr. Mastrovich’s experiences and the intricate world of implant mechanical rescue, we invite you to continue reading about the History of IMR.
Tracing the Evolution of Implant Mechanical Rescue:
In the history of Implant Mechanical Rescue development, Dr. Charles Mastrovich emerges as a pivotal figure, known for his expertise in restorative and general dentistry due to his adept handling of complex cases.
Pioneering Solutions in Implant Dentistry
The process began over 25 years ago with the referral of an old Core Vent implant case which had four anterior mandibular implants with four cement-retained fractured abutments, all of which were fractured at the implant level. Utilizing 25x power magnification via a clinical microscope, Dr. Mastrovich recovered the abutment fragments, cleared the implants, and subsequently rebuilt the case for improved biomechanical stability.
This successful case was monitored for over 20 years and remained very stable, outlasting the patient. Fast forward 25 years, and now Dr. Mastrovich treats an average of 200 cases per year, including retrieving fractured abutment screws, fractured abutments, and abutment screws that have lost drive geometry (“stripped”).
Recognizing an overlooked but significant need, Dr. Mastrovich made the decision to step away from his longstanding general restorative practice, which he sold over three years ago after more than four decades of dedication. While he had found satisfaction in his practice, he felt a strong calling to shift his focus toward assisting this particular sector of the profession. Many of the cases he encounters require extra assistance, and patients are deeply appreciative when mechanical issues are resolved.
Innovations in Dental Implant Rescue: The Mastrovich Approach
In 2009, Dr. Mastrovich was asked separate and similar questions by different periodontists, oral surgeons, and implant company representatives who faced a similar challenge; patients with well-integrated implants encountered issues like broken abutments or screws. When fractured component fragments couldn’t be removed, it often necessitated removal of the implant, and evaluation for potential replacement. Traditional methods involved implant removal and subsequent re-implantation after healing, but there was a shared desire among these professionals for a more effective approach.
Contrary to misconceptions, studies show dental implants generally have a mechanical success rate of about 99% a year, but failures can occur due to various factors. Immediate loading implants require careful evaluation based on individual factors. Despite claims of lifetime guarantees, implants can face mechanical wear and complications over time. Recognizing this, dental practitioners and industry representatives sought alternative solutions.
Dr. Mastrovich embarked on investigating methods to rescue dental implants with broken components. Noting the improvement in clinical endodontics when microscope use became standard of care, he hypothesized improving visualization through the use of a 25x power clinical microscope could be essential for preserving internal threads during the rescue process of removal. He quickly determined that the use of the microscope is a crucial element of the rescue process and preserving the integrity of the internal threads of the implant. During his use of 25x magnification, Dr. Mastrovich noted micro slippage of the few existing tools or kits at that time. After experiencing a lack of high-precision tools from most implant manufacturers, he established a micromachining lab to create his own prototype, cross-platform, and high-precision tooling tailored to each system, size, and type, as well as patient case specifics.
Dedicated to sharing his expertise, Dr. Mastrovich founded Mastrovich Implant Mechanical Rescue Dentistry, specializing in resolving dental implant issues. Located in San Diego County, the practice stands as a leading destination for such interventions, boasting a significant track record of over 1,300 successful cases across various implant systems.
For more information on the history of IMR, interested parties can contact us or visit our History of IMR page to learn more about Implant Mechanical Rescue Dentistry.
Contact Dr. Mastrovich and the Mastrovich Dental Team for more information on our Implant Mechanical Rescue services.
