Implant Maintenance Is Key to Oral Health

Supporting Implant Health
By Timothy J. Hempton, DDS, and Evangelos Papathanasiou DMD, MS, PhD

Patient acceptance of implant therapy for replacing compromised or missing teeth has grown dramatically. This development is associated with an increase in general dentists placing implants—some of whom may be facing a learning curve for implant surgery and prosthetic management. Da Silva et al reported on the association between the amount of implant therapy experience/training relative to increased negative outcomes. Placing implants into alveolar ridges with moderate to severe atrophy is technique sensitive and can result in increased risk for implant complications. This challenge is amplified when the patient’s medical history is positive for systemic concerns. Although implant therapy has a high success rate, the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis has been increasing. This paper will review common medical comorbidities and iatrogenic risks for implant treatment, and explore prevention and maintenance of biological complications associated with peri-implant tissues.

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