Infected Dental Implants
A surprisingly large percentage of adults are missing one or more of their permanent teeth. In many cases, tooth loss in adults is caused by decay, trauma, accident, and gum disease. Fortunately, many patients can benefit from dental implants which are an excellent tooth-replacement solution.
Dental implants have quickly gained popularity in recent years as they aid in restoring the function and appearance of missing teeth. Implants have an incredibly high success rate, but there is a potential for complications such as infection.
Infection
When infection occurs around a dental implant, it is actually considered to be a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis. Infection may be caused by poor oral hygiene, diabetes, smoking, misalignment, teeth grinding, a compromised immune system, or an allergic reaction to the implant. When infection around an implant remains untreated, it can cause bone loss and even result in implant failure. Below is a summary of signs that there is infection present in an implant.
Pain and Difficulty Chewing
Following the surgical placement of the dental implant, it is normal to have some pain. During the natural healing process, the implant actually fuses to the jawbone. Discomfort should be minimal, improve with time, and be able to be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication. Pain which worsens or does not improve, may suggest the presence of infection. In some cases, the pain from an infection can make it challenging to perform routine activities such as chew or speak.
Fever, Swelling, or Redness
It is normal for patients to experience some swelling near the implant site. The swelling should improve and go down after a few days. Swelling which worsens or becomes red can be a sign of infection. Infection is especially likely when swelling occurs along with a fever.
Foul Taste in the Mouth
Infections in dental implants are caused by a buildup of food debris and bad bacteria. When this accumulates on the gums and leaks into the mouth, it can result in a chronically bad taste in the mouth or foul odor which does not go away.
Pus and Bleeding
In the event of an infection, red and white blood cells rush to the impacted area to fight off the pathogens. When the issue is in the gums, patients may notice blood or pus in the mouth. Bleeding which persists or worsens following the implant procedure may suggest the presence of infection.
Loose Implant
The dental implant is a screw-like device which is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant is placed and heals, it should not move. When the implant becomes loose or wiggly, it is a sign of an issue such as infection.
Treatment
Based on the severity of the infection, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics or a special mouthwash, use surgery, laser therapy, or other types of treatments to resolve the infection. Peri-implantitis is a serious issue which can progress quickly and cause implant failure in severe cases. Infected implants which remain untreated can allow the infection to spread to other parts of the body including vital organs. A bacterial infection can have serious consequences and must be treated in a timely manner.
Contact the dentist immediately if you suspect you may have an infected implant or are having other issues with the implant. The dentist can determine the cause of the issues and ensure it is treated in a timely manner. Treating the issue is vital in order to prevent additional damage and to preserve the implant.