【正文】 e ProsthesisThere are numerous aids that can be used to clean around the prosthesis and implant abutments. The ProsthesisThese range from conventional to electric toothbrushes, floss and super floss and various interdental brushes and related devices. The ProsthesisThe patient should be encouraged to maintain a high level of oral hygiene around the prosthesis and receive detailed oral hygiene instructions.The soft tissuesEvaluations of soft tissues surrounding implant abutments should be both systematic and detailed. The soft tissuesGentle probing should not result in bleeding or exudate. A standard periodontal probe may be used to evaluate probing depths. This will depend on the thickness of the original mucosa. The soft tissuesAny overgrowth of soft tissue or any loss of attachment that may have occurred will result in increased probing depths. The soft tissuesMost inflammatory conditions can be managed by careful attention to oral hygiene, aided and supported by professional advice and assistance. The soft tissuesAny deposits that have built up must be removed by the practitioner or by a trained hygienist. There are numerous instruments available on the market to aid removal of any hard deposits around implants. The soft tissues The soft tissuesLongcone radiographs should be taken:● at baseline on pletion of treatment● at three months and one year postoperatively. The soft tissuesIf there is radiographic evidence of bone loss during the first year in clinical service, subsequent radiographs should show very little change. The soft tissuesProgressive bone loss is not usually associated with implantretained prosthesis. Any progressive bone loss should be cause for concern and encourage the practitioner to assess the sufficiency of the prosthesis. The soft tissuesSofttissue inflammation(mucositis) is sometimes seen around poorly maintained and loose prosthesis. If the prosthesis is loose it will be necessary to remove it, clean it in an ultrasonic device and securely replace it in the mouth. The soft tissuesSofttissue proliferation may occur around poorly designed and illfitting superstructures. If such proliferation dose not respond to local oral hygiene measures it may be necessary to excise the unwanted tissue, possibly as part of remedial treatment to replace the superstructure with an appropriately designed, wellfitting prosthesis.The soft tissuesPeriimplantitis – a periimplant inflammatory condition resulting in progressive bone loss – is a rare occurrence in well executed and maintained cases. Diagnosis of periimplantitis may be confirmed by means of longcone radiographs.The soft tissuesBone loss is usually circumferential, resulting in ‘gutter bone loss’ . The cause of periimplantitis is not fully understood, but it may be a bination of excess of or inappropriate occlusal forces in the presence of pathogenic bacteria in an unfavourable oral environment. The soft tissuesThe management of periimplantitis involves: careful assessment of the occlusion in the intercuspal position and eccentric movementsexamination and cleaning of exposed implant surfaces. If there has been tissue proliferation around the implants, this may need to be removed The soft tissuesremoval, cleaning and servicing of the restorations as may be indicated clinicallyinstruction of the patient in effective oral hygiene proceduresmonitoring and further oral hygiene and prosthesis maintenance instruction as necessary.The soft tissuesIf periimplantitis persists and progresses despite the above measures, the case should be critically reviewed and, if required, the patient referred for specialist care.ConclusionsComplications are rare fall into two main groups – surgical and prosthodontic. The practitioner should be fully aware of any possible plications prior to treatment and inform the patient accordingly. ConclusionsThe cause of prosthodontic plications should be carefully assessed, diagnosed and rectified. The maintenance of implant patients should include regular reviews involving radiographic examinations.