Assessment of peri-implant health without implant maintenance therapy

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the peri-implant health of patients without maintenance therapy for 3 years. Materials and Methods:The study sample consisted of 30 patients, from a specialization course, non-smokers, having single implants, and that had not taken antibiotics in the previous 6 months or presented any systemic disease that could interfere with periimplant health. For comparison purposes, it was selected as control the tooth located in the three opposite side of the dental implant. Clinical examination was carried out by a senior examiner, consisting of the following exams: Visible biofilm, probing depth, clinical/peri-implant attachment level, and bleeding on probing frequency. After data collection, means were calculated for proximal regions and free faces, in addition to a general mean for all data. Data were compared and statistically treated by Student's t-test for paired samples and Chi-square (P < 0.05). Results:The data related to the variables under assessment showed no statistical difference between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that even without implant maintenance therapy, there were no signals of disease progression in single implants for a minimum period of 3 years.