Infected Dental Implants
For the 70 percent of American adults who have lost at least one permanent tooth, replacement options have improved. These adults are between 35 and 44 years old, so one of the most common options is dental implants. The reason for the tooth loss should not stop you from replacing your missing tooth, whether you lost the tooth to an accident, tooth decay or gum disease. Any of these causes can leave you in a position to consider a dental implant.
Currently it is estimated that over 500,000 people have dental implant procedures each year and more than half of those procedures take place in a general dentistry office. Because the screening process for dental implants is thorough, the success rate for the procedure is very high. While it is rare, complications and infections are possible. Here are some signs and symptoms that you may have an infection at your dental implant site:
1. Pus or Bleeding
When your body is fighting an infection, the body uses both red and white blood cells to attack and remove the foreign bodies. When the infection is in your gums, the red blood cells with cause bleeding and the white blood cells will cause pus. The blood or pus will come out of the incision site and lark into your mouth. While most people experience bleeding the first few days after the procedure, if it should continue, you may have an infection.
2. Redness, Swelling, or Fever
Much like the pain from dental procedures is normal, you will most certainly have swelling where the dentist placed your implant. The swelling should decrease each day and mostly be gone after a few days. If the swelling suddenly increases or does not improve, then you should contact the dentist. If the swelling is accompanied by redness or a fever, then you most likely have an infection that needs to be addressed.
3. Consistent Bad Taste in Your Mouth
Infections are due to bacteria and dental implant infections are no different. As a result, the bacteria and the debris it creates in your gums can leak into you mouth leaving you with a bad taste. This taste may not go away after eating or drinking and may even have bad breath as a result from the infection.
4. Loosening of the Implant
The dentist places the dental implant into your jaw bone in order to secure it into place. After the dentist places the implant, it should be stable and as it heals, the strength of the implant should increase. If the implant starts to wiggle or loosen, then you should talk to the dentist right away. Its a sign there is a problem or an infection with your implant.
5. Difficulty and Discomfort Chewing
Whenever the dentist performs an invasive procedure, you will most certainly have pain where at that location in your mouth. That pain is not only normal, but it means your body is recovering in a healthy way. If the pain is not able to be managed with the prescription provided by your dentist or the recommended over the counter medication, then your body may be fighting an infection. If the pain starts to get stronger or it starts to spread to a larger area in your mouth, then you should contact the dentist. When the pain prevents you from talking normally or chewing properly, then you may have an infection from the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Infections
When you are considering a dental implant or you have already had the procedure, you need to be informed of what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. If you are concerned you have an infection and you have one or more symptoms, you will need more information about what’s happening in your mouth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Like dental bridges and dentures, dental implants replace missing teeth, but what makes this choice unique is that dental implants replace missing teeth permanently. In order to achieve this, dentists place a screw-like post into your jawbone where it fuses with the bone to form the new tooth root. The implant does require a certain amount of bone and the bone needs to be strong so the dentist may need to perform a bone graft before placing the implant. Once the implanted post has healed, the dentist can attach the crown to the top of the implant above the gum line. Your dental implant will not only look like your natural teeth but it will perform like a natural tooth as well.
Why Do Dental Implant Problems Happen?
Just like any medical complication, there is not just one reason for a problem or infection with your dental implant. In fact, it may even be the result of more than one problem combined. When you have gum disease, periodontitis, diabetes, cancer or autoimmune diseases, you are more likely to have problems healing from the surgery. It is important to share your complete medical and dental history with your dentist prior to your dental implant procedure so the dentist can take the necessary steps to help increase your chances of success.
If you have suffered bone loss in your jaw as a result of osteoporosis, biphosphate medications, cancer, or advanced periodontitis, the dentist may opt to perform a bone graft to strengthen your jaw. This technique can help your jaw but can also add a layer of complication to your dental implant process.
If your dentist does not have enough experience with dental implant placement, then the implant may fail or become infected. It is important to work with a dentist who has a good track record and plenty of training on dental implant placement.
If you do not have good at home dental hygiene practices, then you may struggle to follow the after care instructions. It is important to brush and floss twice a day, use an oral rinse and keep twice yearly dental appointments for exams and cleaning. After the implant procedure you will need to minimize your physical activity, adhere to the recommended diet, take the medications prescribed as directed and be gentle with your new implant. The dentist may give you more specific instructions, so be sure to carefully follow each one to minimize your risk of infection.