Infected Dental Implants
Nearly two-thirds of US adults under 45 have lost at least one of their permanent teeth, which can happen because of tooth decay, trauma, or gum disease. The optimal replacement choice for adults missing one or more teeth is dental implants, which provide a stable, lifelike dental replacement that’s intended to be permanent. When dental implants become infected, however, the implant can fail and fall out, and it’s up to the patient to take proper care of their implants and communicate with their dentist if any signs of infection appear.
How Do Dental Implants Become Infected?
When the area around a dental implant becomes infected, a condition called peri-implantitis, the infection attacks the oral tissues, gradually leading to dental implant failure when left untreated. Peri-implantitis can happen after dental implant treatment in patients with compromised immune systems, especially when their immune deficiency isn’t properly managed in conjunction with their medical team. Patients with mismanaged diabetes, as well as patients who smoke or use tobacco, also face an increased risk of infected dental implants. Effective oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease, and gum disease is another common cause of implant failure; make sure to keep your implants, natural teeth, and oral cavity clean, and see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning to eliminate gum disease and prevent it from progressing. Disproportionate pressure on implants can stress the surrounding tissues, so dental misalignments and issues with clenching or grinding should be addressed as part of implant treatment. In some cases, patients could even be allergic to the dental implant post itself, though this is rare and can be prevented with allergy assessments and the use of alternate materials.
What Are the Warning Signs of Infected Dental Implants?
The characteristics of infection in the area around a dental implant resemble the symptoms of gum disease and warrant prompt attention from your dentist. While some swelling and discomfort should be expected after getting dental implants, this should only last a few days. If the gums around your implant bleed while you’re brushing your teeth or remain visibly swollen or irritated, or if you notice a bad smell or taste in your mouth, you could have an infected implant. Other signs of infected dental implants include noticeable looseness in the implant; throbbing pain or other discomfort; visible implant components that should be nestled in healthy gum tissue; difficulty chewing; or visible pus exuding from the area, see your dentist. If any of these symptoms are accompanied by a fever, seek medical attention, as this is an indication that infection has begun to spread and should be addressed immediately. Your dentist will treat your condition accordingly, with the goal of eliminating the infection and preventing its progression while also aiming to maintain and preserve the dental implant. When left untreated, dental implants fail, and infection that starts around an implant can spread, damaging the heart and other organs and potentially leading to grim consequences. You can dramatically reduce these risks by properly caring for your dental implants and seeking professional attention if and when anything seems amiss, preventing expensive, uncomfortable, or even deadly complications from occurring and ensuring the lasting stability, health, and aesthetics of your restored smile.