Dental implant management and maintenance: How to improve long-term implant success?

Although dental implants are proven to be a predictable longterm treatment for patients, it is important to realize that not all implants that survive are necessarily successful. Successful implants are those that remain fully functional and healthy within the oral cavity. Peri-implantitis is a disease that is associated with implant failure, and is becoming rather prevalent. Assessing risk factors and stabilizing existing oral disease prior to the placement of implants will aid in preventing implant disease and failure. After implant placement, a strict follow-up regime with a dental professional should be implemented in order to monitor the implant and surrounding teeth for disease. The dental professional should continually encourage the patient to adhere to consistent homecare to prevent peri-implantitis from occurring, and in turn increase the success of their implants. Early diagnosis and elimination of inflammatory processes around the implants will improve the longterm prognosis as well. Keywords: bone, bone loss, gingival health, implant, plaque, survival