De’Avlin Olguin, DDS, Stephen Soehren, DDS, MS, and Hom-Lay Wang, DDS, MSD
Department of Periodontics/Prevention/Geriatrics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Purpose: The aim of this paper is to review the importance of comprehensive periodontal/implant maintenance care in the preservation of teeth and implants in health, form and functions.
Materials and Methods: A critical assessment of science-based literature evaluating the effects of periodontal therapy and professional maintenance care on periodontal and peri-implant disease progression is included.
Results: Longitudinal studies have clearly demonstrated that the lack of periodontal therapy and regularly timed maintenance visits of susceptible patients results in a slow, progressive loss of periodontal attachment and tooth loss. Patients maintained with professional cleanings and effective home care regimens retain healthy peri-implant tissues, teeth and associated periodontium.
Conclusion: Periodontal and implant maintenance care is necessary for long-term success of periodontal and implant therapy. Patient compliance and individual risk factors should be utilized to devise a customized maintenance care regimen to tailor to each patients needs.
(Int Chin J Dent 2002; 2: 95-106.)
Clinical Significance: Proper periodontal/implant maintenance is the essential component for the teeth and implants in health, form and functions.
Key Words: dental implants, maintenance, periodontal therapy.