Infected Dental Implants
The most common complication of dental implants is infection. Although the success rate of an implantation is high, it happens that some implants fail soon after the intervention of the dental surgeon, or many years later. Complications following dental implant placement are quite common in people exposed to certain factors. Whether the infection is caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking or even taking special medications, it must be the subject of an appropriate intervention. The most common condition is called peri-implantitis, a type of gum disease that can lead to bone loss or implant rejection. However, there are ways to prevent infection of the implant.
Symptoms of dental implant infection
An infection of the dental implant (peri-implantitis) is different from gingivitis or periodontitis, both of which affect natural teeth. The infection is characterized by bone loss accompanied by inflammation of the gum tissue around the implant. Without treatment, it can lead to rejection of the prosthesis. You can easily spot the onset of dental implant infection through different symptoms:
- bleeding gums
- a decrease in bone around the prosthesis
- inflammation of the gums
- the presence of pain around the implant
- movement of the implant- or “wiggling” of the denture
- the formation of pus around the denture
All of these symptoms of dental implant infection do not necessarily occur at the same time. However, if you identify the appearance of one or more ailments from this list, consult your dental health center without delay.
Causes of dental implant infection
Infection can occur at any time and can develop soon after implant placement or much later. It is enough for the gum to relax slightly around the prosthesis for the bacteria to take place all around. Peri-implantitis can also get worse in the presence of the following:
- Tobacco use
- unmonitored diabetes
- poor oral hygiene
- certain drugs.
Treatment of dental implant infection
Without surgery
The treatment will be different depending on the severity of the injury. If the infection from a dental implant is mild, it can be resolved with treatment similar to gingivitis:
- application of an antiseptic
- use of anti-dental plaque mouthwash
- use of air polisher a laser to sanitize the infected area
- prescription of antibiotics to fight infection
These treatments are usually sufficient for a minor infection of the dental implant. If, despite the above treatments, your dental implant infection persists, then you should consider seeing a dental surgeon.
With surgery
Surgical interventions are available in the case of serious infection, which can include the removal of the implant. Surgical interventions can also include new bone grafting, in which the bone around an implant is treated.
How to prevent infection of a dental implant
Good oral hygiene is sufficient in some cases to prevent the appearance of an infection of the implant. Regular appointments with your dentist will prevent the development of tartar and consequently the appearance of dental plaque.
To go further than traditional brushing, you can also use a special implant toothbrush, an interdental brush, or dental floss to get rid of the bacteria that are hiding in your teeth.