Importance of proper maintenance therapy for implant success [Importanza di una corretta terapia di mantenimento per il successo degli impianti]

Objectives: The aim of this article is to increase dental hygienists' knowledge of the structure of dental implants and the characteristics of peri-implant bacterial flora, which can jeopardize implant success if not properly removed. Materials and methods: The authors stress the importance of an adequate implant maintenance, which requires active patient compliance, effective patient teaching by the dental hygienist on the home hygiene techniques best suited to the individual needs, careful instrument-based care, and periodic personalized reminders. Results and conclusions: Neither professional care nor patient hygiene alone is enough to ensure long-term implant integrity: the key to success is the professional-patient synergy. © 2011 Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.