IMPLANTOLOGY
Implant maintenance
Regular follow-up after dental implant placement is essential to prevent complications, detect early signs of inflammation, and maintain long-term results.
Schedule an initial consultation →Key points
Implant maintenance is the regular follow-up that ensures the longevity of dental implants. It allows early detection of signs of inflammation, helps prevent peri-implantitis, and maintains a stable biological environment around the implant.
At the 47VH clinic in Nice, we adapt the frequency and content of each visit to each patient’s risk profile.
Why is implant maintenance essential?
Although the success rate of dental implants exceeds 90% at 15 years, this outcome depends directly on the quality of post-implant follow-up. Without regular maintenance, complications may occur—particularly peri-implantitis, an infection of the tissues surrounding the implant that can lead to progressive bone loss.
Structured follow-up allows these signs to be detected early and treated before irreversible damage occurs.
What do we do during an implant maintenance visit?
At each visit, we perform:
- a clinical examination of the implant and surrounding tissues
- an assessment of peri-implant pocket depths
- a check of the tightening of the prosthesis to prevent any loosening
- radiographs if the clinical situation warrants it
- a targeted professional cleaning—using ultrasonic devices or hand instruments adapted to implant surfaces, followed by polishing
- personalized oral hygiene advice
Who should perform implant maintenance?
A periodontist is ideally responsible for this maintenance. Indeed, they pay particular attention to the health of the gingival and bone tissues around the implant and remain alert to the early signs of peri-implantitis. Depending on your risk level, we organize shared follow-up care with your referring dentist.
How often?
The frequency depends on your individual risk profile:
- Every 6 months for most patients.
- Every 3 to 4 months for patients with risk factors—history of periodontitis, smoking, diabetes, or associated systemic diseases.
Bibliographic References
- Schwarz F. et al. — Peri-implantitis. J Clin Periodontol, 2018. PubMed PMID 29926484
- Roccuzzo M. et al. — Long-term results of a three arms prospective cohort study on implants in periodontally compromised patients: 10-year data around sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface. Clin Oral Implants Res, 2014. PubMed PMID 23865554
- Lang N.P., Tonetti M.S. — Periodontal risk assessment (PRA) for patients in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). Oral Health Prev Dent, 2003. PubMed PMID 15643744
- Monje A. et al. — Impact of maintenance therapy for the prevention of peri-implant diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dent Res, 2016. PubMed PMID 26701350
- Yin X., Li J., Chen T., Mouraret S., Dhamdhere G., Brunski J.B., Zou S., Helms J.A. — Rescuing failed oral implants via WNT activation. J Clin Periodontol, 2016. PubMed PMID 26718012
FAQ
Is implant maintenance different from periodontal maintenance?
It follows the same principle, but includes specific monitoring of peri-implant tissues.
Unlike natural teeth, there is no periodontal ligament around an implant, which makes the surrounding tissues more vulnerable to bacterial aggression. This is why we use specific instruments adapted to implant surfaces in order to avoid damaging them.
What happens if I stop implant maintenance?
Without regular follow-up, the risk of peri-implantitis increases significantly.
Peri-implantitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the implant that leads to progressive bone loss. If not detected and treated early, it can result in implant failure. This is why maintenance is an integral part of implant treatment.
Is implant maintenance painful?
Sessions are generally well tolerated and cause little discomfort.
However, some areas may be sensitive, especially in the presence of inflammation. In such cases, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Is implant maintenance reimbursed?
Implant maintenance sessions are not covered by the National Health Insurance system.
However, your private insurance may cover part of the cost depending on your policy coverage. We inform you of the terms during the consultation.
Can I have my implant maintenance done by my general dentist?
Yes, in some cases—it depends on your level of risk and the complexity of your situation.
For patients with a history of periodontitis or associated risk factors, we recommend follow-up at the clinic with a periodontist. In contrast, for stable and low-risk cases, we organize shared follow-up care with your referring dentist.
How should I take care of my implants on a daily basis?
Implants should be maintained like natural teeth — twice-daily brushing and daily interdental cleaning.
We recommend using interdental brushes adapted to the size of the spaces around the implant. In addition, a water flosser can be a useful adjunct to clean difficult-to-access areas around the prosthetic abutment.