Infected Dental Implants
If you need one or more teeth replaced, dental implants are one of the safest and most effective ways to restore your smile. Unfortunately, tooth loss in adults is fairly common simply due to dental decay, gum disease, certain medications, or even an accident or trauma. Dental implants have a success rate of about 95% for most healthy patients but as with any surgical procedure, it is possible for an infection to develop at the implant site. The most common causes of implant infection include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, a compromised immune system, an allergic reaction to the implant itself, or bruxism.
Here are some signs and symptoms that you may have an infected dental implant:
- Pain is the most common symptom that something is wrong! It is normal to feel minor pain or discomfort immediately following implant placement surgery but nothing more than what can be managed using over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. If pain does not subside or begins to increase or spread, contact your doctor.
- Halitosis is persistent bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away after brushing and flossing. When bacteria and plaque is allowed to build up and sit in your gum pockets, it can leak into your mouth and may signify an infection. This buildup occurs due to poor oral hygiene.
- Swelling and redness is a normal side effect immediately following implant placement surgery but should begin to dissipate within a few days. Any swelling and redness that occurs after your implant should have healed could signify an infection, especially if it is accompanied by a fever.
- Blood or pus leaking from the implant site is a good indication of infection. When an infection develops in our body, red and white blood cells rush to the area to annihilate the foreign pathogens causing the infection, often leading to bleeding or oozing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your Dentist as soon as possible so they can diagnose the problem and begin the appropriate course of treatment. Your dentist may prescribe a mouth rinse along with an antibiotic to clear up the infection. If your infection is more severe, you may require more intense treatment in the form of mechanical debridement, antimicrobial therapy, or laser therapy.
An infection at the implant site can result in a loose implant, due to a loss of bone structure. Dental implants are screwed directly into the jaw bone, providing a stable and secure foundation and in the event that your implant becomes loose, you will likely need a bone graft and a new implant once the infection is cleared. Implant infection can be damaging not only to the implant but can also lead to systemic issues that could cause damage to the heart or other body organs.
Oral health is directly related to our overall health so it is important to take care of any dental issues as soon as possible before they have the chance to develop into something more serious. Prevention is less costly than treatment so be sure to take proper care of your oral health!