Implant maintenance.

Endosseous root-form implants have become an integral part of dental reconstruction in partially and fully edentulous patients. The long-term prognosis of an implant is related directly to routine assessment and effective preventive care. To maintain healthy tis-sues around dental implants, it is important to institute an effective maintenance regimen. Different regimens have been suggested, but it is unclear which are the most effective. This article evaluates the literature regarding implant maintenance. Factors affecting the soft tissue surrounding endosseous root-form implants are discussed, and procedures for assessment of the implant and the treatment of reversible disease in implant maintenance are outlined.