Maintenance of peri-abutment skin interface in implant retained facial prosthesis : A Technical report case.

Abstract

Objectives: Osseointegrated implants have been successfully used to retain facial prosthesis. This method of retention offers several advantages over conventional adhesive retained facial prosthesis: eliminate dependence on adhesives, enhancement of the aesthetics, improvement of the easy and accuracy of prosthesis placement, an increase in the life span of the facial restoration. Nonetheless, the implant retained prosthesis requires additional hygiene procedures to keep the prosthesis, retentive elements free of debris and to maintain the health of surrounding skin. Regular maintenance of prosthesis and retentive elements prevents the incidence of peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: Patients with implant retained facial prosthesis are instructed to follow hygiene protocol advocated in Maxillofacial Prosthetic Service, Mahidol University. In this article the routine hygiene protocol followed in the service, which includes use of modified toothbrush, super-floss, mini-brush and other cleaning methods has been illustrated.Results: This article suggests steps to maintain the implant retained facial prosthesis, its corresponding retentive components and peri-implant tissue in good health. Conclusion: In spite of the several advantages of implant retained facial prosthesis patient’s compliance for additional hygiene procedures are required to keep prosthesis, retentive components and the skin healthy. A hygiene protocol has been described to accomplish the described goals.