Long-term impact of patients' compliance to peri-implant maintenance therapy on the incidence of peri-implant diseases: An 11-year prospective follow-up clinical study

ObjectiveTo prospectively evaluate the incidence of peri-implant diseases and the associated risk factors during 11 years of peri-implant maintenance therapy (PIMT). Material and MethodsA sample of 80 partially edentulous individuals rehabilitated with dental implants was invited to participate in a PIMT program (T1-prior to entering the PIMT program). After 11 years, 51 individuals remained regularly or irregularly adherent to PIMT (T2-last recall after 11 years) and were classified as regular (RC; n = 27) or irregular (IC; n = 24) compliers. Data of interest were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. ResultsThe incidence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis observed at T2 in the IC group (70.8% and 37.5%, respectively) were significantly higher than those observed in the RC group (37.0% and 11.1%, respectively). The incidence of peri-implant diseases was mostly attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, as such: RC group-PM (p = 0.013); IC group-high plaque index (p < 0.001), irregular compliance (p < 0.001), the presence of PM (p = 0.015) and periodontitis (p < 0.039). ConclusionRegular compliance during PIMT had a strong effect in minimizing the incidence of peri-implant diseases. Increasing regular dental visits and improving oral hygiene would provide benefits for preventing peri-implant diseases.