title: Maintenance and treatment of the ailing and failing implant.
abstract: Due to the pathologic nature of oral bacteria, the partially edentulous implant patient is at a greater risk than the fully edentulous. Peri-implantitis and/or retrograde peri-implantitis can result in ultimate loss of the implant fixture. It is important that the implant dentist understand the difference between the ailing implant, the failing implant, and the failed implant. This article discusses the pathologic diseases that affect dental implants and how to treat the "infected" implant (degranulation and detoxification) for titanium and hydroxylapatite-coated implants. Implant maintenance, including hand or motorized brushes, flosses, and oral rinses (chlorhexidine, 0.2%) will also be presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Meffert
mesh_terms: D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods*; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods*; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants