Peri-implant diseases presented as both peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are well-known problems. This study evaluated the role of the adherence to a supportive implant therapy program to control the development of peri-implant diseases. The aim of such a supportive program is to maintain the health of peri-implant soft and hard tissues. In this, control of the biofilm is of utmost importance.

48 patients with in total 98 implants were included in the group defined as adherent to the supportive program, which specified 1 to 4 supportive therapy visits per year. The control group, which did not comply with the supportive program, consisted of 43 patients with 121 implants.

Each supportive therapy visit included registration of plaque, peri-implant probing depths, bleeding on probing, and instructions for oral home care with the aim of achieving optimal plaque control and reinforcing patient motivation. Professional cleaning was a part of each visit.

The results showed a statistically significant difference in respect to the incidence of peri-implant diseases in favour of the supportive implant therapy group, on an implant level as well as on a patient level. The authors stress the essential role of supportive implant therapy, where communication is central in achieving oral health behavioural changes.