Infected Dental Implants
A dental implant is one of the best ways to replace an adult tooth that has been lost due to trauma, gum disease, or dental decay. Implants are a common restorative procedure with a success rate of about 95%-97% but as with any procedure, infection can develop at the implant site. The most common causes of implant infection include but are not limited to: poor oral hygiene, bruxism (grinding your teeth), tobacco use, a compromised immune system, or an allergic reaction to the implant itself. Let’s take a look at some of the warning signs of an implant infection.
Pain is of course a huge indicator that something is amiss! It is normal to feel a minor amount of pain right after implant placement surgery but it should be controllable with over-the-counter pain medication. If pain does not subside or begins to increase or spread you may experience some difficulty eating or speaking and should call your doctor right away.
Swelling and redness is another side effect that is normal right after 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 you also develop a fever.
Blood or pus leaking from the implant site is an indication of infection because when an infection develops in our body, red and white blood cells rush to the area to destroy the foreign pathogens causing the infection and can lead to bleeding or oozing at the implant site.
Halitosis is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away even after brushing and flossing. This can signify an implant infection when a buildup of bacteria and debris is allowed to sit in your gum pockets and can leak into your mouth. 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 eradicate the infection. A more severe infection could 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.