Infected Dental Implants
Dental implants are a coveted form of modern tooth replacement that enjoy a 95% success rate. Having been utilized as a form of tooth replacement technology since the early 1960s means that these procedures have been greatly improved upon over time, which is why the rate of complication is so low. However, infections in dental implants can and do happen, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to know what to do should an infection start to take root in one of your implants.
Causes of Infection in Dental Implants
The biggest cause of infections in dental implants is a failure to follow at-home care instructions provided by one’s dentist or oral surgeon. Usually, these include rest, avoidance of strenuous activity, consistent but careful dental hygiene, and adherence to any recommendations surrounding medication and/or diet. In some cases, antibiotics will be prescribed; in almost all cases, dietary guidelines will be given to reduce stress on a new dental implant (for example, sticking to soups and other soft foods for a short period following implantation).
Even if all these guidelines are followed, however, it is possible to develop an infection due to an underlying health issue, low quality bone mass, gum disease, or even poor surgical technique. While these causes are far less frequent, they can contribute to the onset or development of an oral infection following the placement of a dental implant, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection even if you are taking great care to adhere to your at-home care instructions.
Signs and Symptoms of Infection in Dental Implants
Pain and swelling: While some pain and swelling is to be expected in the days following the insertion of a dental implant, this should decrease over time as opposed to becoming more severe. If you have increasing pain and swelling around a dental implant, this could be a sign of infection.
Heat or Redness at the Implant Site: Like pain and swelling, it is common for an implant site to be a little red or even feel slightly warm. Similarly, though, this should decrease. If redness does not go away, becomes more severe, or you develop noticeable warmth at the implant site or a fever, this could be a sign of infection.
Discharge or foul taste or smell: If you have persistent bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, or notice any pus or discharge around a dental implant, this could be a sign of infection.
An Implant that Feels Loose: Dental implants should remain firmly in place. If any of your dental implants feel loose, it is important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away to have it evaluated.
What to Do if You Suspect an Infected Dental Implant
If you suspect that you may have an infected dental implant, it is important to be seen by your dentist right away. Early treatment can not only stop the infection from progressing, but it can also ensure that any damage that is done to the implant is minimized. In order to treat the infection, your dentist may choose to prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, oral antibiotics, or even perform minor surgery to mechanically clean the area before treating. The further the infection has progressed, the more serious the treatment, so if you suspect an infection in your dental implant, don’t wait – call your dentist today.