Analysis of factors associated with maintenance discontinuation in implant patients

Maintenance following implant treatment is essential to ensure long-term stability. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate the factors leading patients to discontinue maintenance following implant treatment. Among the 729 patients that underwent implantation at the Department of Oral Implantology, Osaka Dental University Hospital from January 2008 to December 2012, 41 patients were excluded from the study. Exclusion criteria comprised patients without a superstructure attachment, those who only underwent maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures and those who discontinued visiting the hospital prior to superstructure attachment. Treatment was discontinued in 181 patients. The rate of discontinuation was 26.6 %. The odds ratio (OR) in the adjustment model was 1.552 (95 % CI 1.078-2.236) in males when compared with females. When compared with those who were 30-64 years old, the OR was 5.818 (95 % CI 3.017-11.220) in those 29 years old or younger and 1.561 (95 % CI 1.021-2.386) in those 65 years old or older. Moreover, when compared with those with a O'Leary's Plaque Control Record of all teeth and superstructures (PCR) level of 20 % or less following superstructure attachment, the OR was 2.113 (95 % CI 1.471-3.035) in those with a PCR level of 20 % or more following superstructure attachment. It is highly important to decrease maintenance discontinuation, especially in patients aged 29 years old or younger with a PCR level of 20 % or more following superstructure attachment. Moreover, a support system must be developed to enable patients with difficulties visiting the hospital to continue their maintenance program.