Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for people missing teeth. They’re strong, durable, and look like natural teeth. However, like with any dental procedure, complications can arise. One of the concerns that some implant patients face is infection.
According to a study, in 2024 approximately 3 million dental implants were performed. Though the success rate is very high, the complications can appear in rare cases.
If you’re noticing pain, swelling, or discomfort around your implant, it could be a sign of an infection.
Let’s understand –
What Is a Dental Implant Infection?
Infection occurs around dental implants when the tissue around the implant becomes inflamed due to bacteria. This can cause damage to the bone and gums surrounding the implant. If you think it will fix on its own and don’t get treatment, it could lead to the failure of your implant. While dental implants are generally safe and successful, infections can happen, even years after the procedure.
Symptoms of Dental Implant Infection
It’s important to know the symptoms of infection around your dental implant:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the implant
- Persistent pain or tenderness in the area
- Foul breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
- Loosening of the implant
- Pus or discharge around the implant
- Difficulty chewing or discomfort when biting
If any of these symptoms are familiar, don’t ignore them. Consult with your dental implant dentist as soon as possible.
What Causes Dental Implant Infections?
Infections around implants can be caused by several factors:
Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t clean your teeth and gums properly, plaque can build up around the implant, leading to infection.
Smoking: Smoking can interfere with healing and decrease blood flow to your gums, making you more prone to infections.
Gum disease: If you’ve had gum disease in the past, you may be at a higher risk of developing an infection around your implant.
Health conditions: Conditions like diabetes can affect your body’s ability to heal, increasing the risk of infection.
Improper healing or placement: If the implant wasn’t placed correctly, or if healing didn’t happen as expected, infection can develop.
Skipping follow-up appointments: Not attending your scheduled checkups means your dentist can’t spot issues like infections early on.
How to Treat Infection Around Dental Implant
If you suspect your dental implant is infected, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. Treatment depends on how severe the infection is. In the early stages, your dentist may recommend:
Deep cleaning: This can remove bacteria and plaque around the implant.
Antibiotics: If the infection is more advanced, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
Surgical cleaning: In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to clean around the implant or to replace any lost bone.
How Can You Prevent Implant Infections?
Here are some simple ways to prevent infections and keep your implant in great shape:
Brush and floss daily: Make sure to clean around the implant just like you would natural teeth.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can slow down the healing process and make it harder for your gums to fight infection.
Visit your dentist regularly: Routine cleanings and checkups are essential to spot any issues before they become serious.
Follow your post-op care: After getting an implant, make sure you follow all the care instructions your dentist gives you to ensure proper healing.
Stay healthy: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including managing conditions like diabetes, helps your body heal and fight infections.
What To Do If You Find An Infection Around Your Implant?
If you think your dental implant might be infected, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
At home: Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid brushing the area too harshly.
Monitor your symptoms: Keep an eye on the infection. If it doesn’t improve or gets worse, it’s time to call your dentist.
When to see a dentist:
- If pain, swelling, or bleeding persists or gets worse
- If you notice pus or the implant feels loose
- If you’re having difficulty chewing or biting
It’s always better to get things checked out sooner rather than later.
Have You Found Infection in Your Dental Implant? Contact Us Today!
Dental implant infections are treatable, and with early intervention, we can help you avoid losing your implant. At Andresen Prosthodontics in Reno, we specialize in treating implant infections, ensuring your implants remain healthy for years to come.
If you’re noticing any signs of infection around your implant, contact us today at 775-323-3574 or fill out the form today to schedule you visit to our dental practice in Reno for implant treatment.
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