541 Implant Instrumentation: Preserving the Implant While Treating the Patient — From Single Implants to Full-Arch Fixed Prostheses

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with implant maintenance expert Alison Stahl to unpack the hidden risks surrounding dental implants — and why successful implant therapy requires far more than simply placing the implant. Alison explains why implants remain vulnerable to periodontal and systemic disease, why water flossers are essential for long-term implant health, and how palpation and 3D radiographs can dramatically improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. She also reveals why stainless steel instruments may be damaging implants without clinicians realizing it and shares the essential protocols every hygienist should know when treating implant patients. From single implants to full-arch fixed prostheses, this conversation challenges outdated approaches to implant care and highlights what modern clinicians need to protect both the implant and the patient. Guest: Alison Stahl alisonstahl@precisionperi-implantacademy.com What We Discuss: Why implants are still susceptible to periodontal and systemic disease Why water flossers are critical for implant maintenance The importance of palpation and 3D radiographs in implant assessment How stainless steel instruments can damage implant surfaces Essential implant maintenance protocols for clinicians Treatment considerations for single implants and full-arch prostheses Resources & Links: Website: https://precisionperi-implantacademy.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share this episode with your colleagues and clinical team.

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