Maintenance following extensive restorative or implant treatment is not a discretionary addition. Its frequency should be determined during planning and stated in the treatment record.
Recommended intervals
Six-monthly clinical review with professional hygiene constitutes the general recommendation. Patients with a history of periodontitis require shorter intervals, commonly three to four monthly.
Radiographic assessment of implants is indicated annually for the initial period and thereafter at intervals determined by stability of the peri-implant bone level.
What review is intended to detect
Early peri-implant inflammation, which is reversible, before progression to bone loss, which is not. Loosening of prosthetic screws. Wear of the occlusal splint, which indicates parafunctional load. Occlusal changes arising from tooth movement over time.
Each is straightforward to address when identified early and considerably less so when identified late.
Where maintenance is performed for patients treated abroad
Routine maintenance is appropriately performed locally, and this should be arranged before treatment concludes. The treating practice should receive periodic reports and imaging.
The complete clinical record, including implant system identification, must be in the patient’s possession for this arrangement to function.
Return to the treating practice
Attendance at the treating practice is required only where a problem is identified that cannot be managed locally. For most patients this does not arise within the first several years.
Maintenance intervals should be recorded in the treatment plan and the arrangement for local delivery established before the patient returns home.
For an individual assessment of your case, you can request a consultation at our Bogotá practice.
