Dental implants are a safe and effective way to restore one or more missing teeth! Tooth loss in adults is pretty common due to dental decay, gum disease, or even trauman or an accident. Dental implants have a success rate of about 95%-97% for most healthy patients but as with any procedure, an infection can develop at the implant site. The most common causes of implant infection include poor oral hygiene, bruxism (clenching and/or grinding your teeth), tobacco use, a compromised immune system, or an allergic reaction to the implant itself (which can result from certain metal allergies). Below are some of the warning signs of an implant infection.
Swelling and redness is a normal side effect immediately following surgery but it 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 at the implant site.
Pain is the most common indicator that something is not right. It is normal to feel minor pain right after implant placement surgery but nothing more than what can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. If pain does not subside or if it begins to increase or spread, you should call your doctor right away.
Halitosis is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away even after brushing and flossing. When a buildup of bacteria and plaque is allowed to sit in your gum pockets, it can leak into your mouth and may signify an infection. This buildup can occur due to poor oral hygiene.
A loose implant can result from an infection at the implant site. Dental implants are screwed directly into the jaw bone, giving them a stable and secure foundation. An infection can cause a loss in bone structure, allowing the implant to become loose. In this case, you will likely need a bone graft and a new implant once the infection is cleared.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is very important to call your dentist as soon as possible so they can diagnose the problem and begin an appropriate course of treatment. Depending on the level of infection, your dentist may prescribe a mouth rinse along with an antibiotic to get rid of the infection. A more severe infection may require more intense treatment such as laser therapy, mechanical debridement or antimicrobial therapy.
Peri-implantitis 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. Left untreated, a low-grade bacterial infection can have severe consequences in addition to implant failure. 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.