Oral Health Maintenance of Dental Implants

Oral Health Maintenance of Dental Implants is organized by The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA).

Accreditation:
CE Credits: 2

Course Description:
In recent years, the demand for dental implants has risen greatly. Osseointegrated dental implants are being placed with increased frequency. It is estimated that approximately 1 million dental implants are placed in the United States annually. Not only have placement techniques improved, but the benefits that implants provide for patients have increased as well. Dental implants improve appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. Implants also preserve remaining teeth, improve a person’s ability to speak and masticate properly, and eliminate the need for full and partial dentures. Because dental implants present a significant financial investment and require long-term maintenance by the patient for a healthy peri-implant environment, the direct impact of oral hygiene maintenance by the patient will determine long-term prognosis and success of the dental implant.

The mucoperiosteal-implant seal is the major factor in determining long-term prognosis. Indigenous oral bacteria attaching to dental implant surfaces can lead to the breakdown of the biological seal surrounding the dental implant. Although the junctional epithelium attachment for dental implants is similar to natural dentition, the connective tissue interface with the dental implant has poor mechanical resistance. The peri-implant disease process resembles periodontitis. However, treatment and maintenance are more complex. The tissues around dental implants react to bacteria similarly to the tissues around natural teeth. In fact, plaque develops more rapidly and in larger amounts around titanium implant abutments than around natural teeth. Therefore, close cooperation and teamwork among dental providers and their patients is essential to the success of dental implant procedures. Many of the current home care treatments for periodontal maintenance of natural teeth also can be used with dental implants, but a better understanding of oral health maintenance by the patient is crucial for the health and longevity of dental implants.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
• Understand the importance of oral hygiene maintenance as it applies to the success rate for implants.
• Describe the different uses of auxiliary aids and antimicrobial rinses.
• Explain the correct usage of an oral irrigator around implants.
• List the components of a clinical assessment during recare visits.
• Discuss the usage of metal instruments on the implant surfaces.

Note:
Original Release Date: 2012; Review Date: 2020; Expiration Date: 2023