Peri-implant soft tissue maintenance in patients with craniofacial implant retained prostheses.

The aim of this pilot study was to describe the effectiveness of a hygiene protocol prescribed for patients receiving craniofacial implant retained prostheses. Eleven subjects receiving either orbital or auricular prostheses were instructed by a hygienist in debris removal procedures. Patients were re-examined on at least four occasions over the following 18 months, and tissue health around the implant abutments was evaluated using standard criteria. In most cases, adequate debris removal was demonstrated, particularly when hygiene procedures were reinforced at the second follow-up visit. Barriers to maintenance of tissue health included inadequate space between fixtures and thickness of skin around abutments. Occasionally, prostheses had to be replaced due to inappropriate cleaning methods. The intensive hygiene regimen helped maintain tissue health around implant abutments, although it was demanding in terms of professional time.