uses. After corrective surgery, these conditions usually subside after antibiotic treatment (Gougaloff, 1-9).Oral hygiene of the implants can determine the success or failure of a dental implant. The Dental Hygienist’s role in Dental Implant success is the imperative, not only instructing the patient on proper hygiene techniques, but using proper instruments and instrumentation. Natural teeth are connected to bone by numerous periodontal fibers. These fibers do not exist with an implant, instead circular fibers provide by keratinized gingiva surrounding the dental implant provides a tension referred to as the perimucosal seal. The implant is integrated directly into the bone by osseointergration. Without periodontal ligament, the implant lacks sensory advantages of natural teeth. The implant is unable to adapt to occulsal trauma. Trauma can result in fractures of bone or bone resorption. Warning signs such as chronic screw loosening of the screw-retained prosthesis, porcelain fracture, unseating of attachments, excessive occlusal wear, denture sore, purulence, redness, swelling and patient discomfort may be apparent with occlusal trauma. Trauma over a period of time may be the causative factor for necessary removal of the implant and result in failure (Harris, 2). The purpose of the perimucosal seal is to barrier from outside components rather than support or strength. Therefore probing implants must be done with extreme care. Actually probing isn’t necessary when tissue is healthy and bone levels are radiographically normal. If probing is necessary, to validate inflammation, the probe should never disturb the perimucosal seal between the soft tissue and the implant. Excessive probing could possibly disrupt attachment. As with instruments used for prophylaxis, only plastic probe should be use. A metal probe may scratch the implant creating an uneven surface allowing a haven for bacteria to exist. Acceptable instruments fo...
