12.1 INTRODUCTION

The literature lays out clear criteria for success and failure for dental implants, and classifies what constitutes high success rates when measured against these. Adell et al. reported 81% success rates in the maxilla and 91% in the mandible over 5–9 years after placement [1].

Implants may have complications for a variety of reasons, but it is accepted that a key predicator for the long‐term survival of implant treatment is the condition of the surrounding mucosa and the quality of the maintenance programme.

Mucositis is a precursor to peri‐implantitis [2]. Based on the uncertain nature of success in treating peri‐implant disease, it is clear that preventing the progression from mucositis to peri‐implantitis is a key objective in ensuring the long‐term health of implants (Figure 12.1) [3] (B).

12.2 RECALL INTERVAL

The recall interval is very patient‐specific and takes into account factors such as the type of prosthesis, risk factors, oral hygiene, referral or own case, complications, complexity of case insertion torque/bone quality and the patient’s previous implant experience (B).

The literature is lacking when we search for an ideal recall interval, and this reflects the individual nature of the recall. However, we need to highlight the importance of preventing the progression of mucositis to peri‐implantitis [3], and therefore a maximum recall interval of 6 months is recommended (B).

12.3 RADIOGRAPHIC REVIEW

A baseline radiograph is recommended to determine alveolar bone levels after the completion of the initial adaptive bone remodelling phase to record crestal bone levels, to assess the fit of the prosthesis and to ensure the interproximal sulcus is clear of cement [5]. The panoramic radiograph is not generally suitable to visualise peri‐implant bone levels consistently [5] (B).