Implants · patient case question
What does routine maintenance of a screw-retained full-arch implant prosthesis require?
Patient case: Inflammation around an established implant
Patient: Adult with an implant-supported restoration placed several years ago
Chief complaint: Bleeding and discomfort around the implant.
Background: Implant restored and functioning for several years.
Current findings: Bleeding on probing, deep peri-implant pocketing and radiographic bone loss around the fixture.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Maintenance of the abutments and the edentulous areas beneath the prosthesis
- A. These prostheses demand more maintenance than natural dentition, not less.
- B. CORRECT. The critical maintenance task is access for cleaning beneath the prosthesis — around the abutments and across the edentulous ridge. This demands specific aids: superfloss, interdental brushes and irrigators, plus periodic professional removal of the prosthesis for thorough debridement.
- C. Screws are torqued to the manufacturer's specification; routine retightening at every visit is not indicated and repeated cycling risks screw fatigue.
- D. A screw-retained prosthesis is FIXED. Only the clinician removes it. Patient removal describes an overdenture.