How to Identify and Treat Dental Implant Infections

It’s important to know the signs, symptoms and risks of dental implant infections if they’re left untreated.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of dental implant infections, the symptoms, potential treatment options, and tips for prevention.

What Is a Dental Implant Infection?

Also known as peri-implantitis, this type of gum disease affects the soft tissues and hard tissues around a dental implant. It is caused by bacteria entering the surgical site during or after the implant procedure. Infections around dental implants are usually the result of poor cleaning or aftercare.

Peri-implantitis can lead to bone loss, and cause your implant to fail if left untreated. In extreme situations, the infection can potentially spread to other parts of the body and cause broader complications.

If you suspect you have an infected dental implant, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. The infection will not improve on its own.

Causes of Dental Implant Infection

Several risk factors and pre-existing conditions can contribute to dental implant infections.

Poor oral hygiene is a leading cause, because improper cleaning allows bacteria to flourish. If you don’t follow cleaning routines or make follow-up appointments, that can pave the way for bacterial growth. Smoking is another risk factor, as it impairs healing and increases the likelihood of infection. Additionally, underlying health conditions like diabetes can compromise the immune system and delay healing, making infections more likely.

To recap, conditions that can exacerbate dental implant infections include:

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• Compromised immune system

• Bite misalignment

• Bruxism

• Allergic reaction to the implant

• Existing periodontitis condition

• Poor oral hygiene
  
  

Symptoms of an Infected Dental Implant

Knowing the signs of an infected implant is the first step to treating it. Dental implant infection symptoms include:

• Bad breath

• Bad taste

• Bad odor coming from your teeth

• Tender or swollen gums around your implant

• Inflammation

• Redness

• Pain

• Pus

• Bleeding gums when brushing

• Increased pocket around your implant

• Loosening teeth
  
  

These symptoms warrant an immediate consultation with your dentist, because early detection is key. Because of their severity, you'll want to address infections before they progress.

Please be aware that sometimes peri-implantitis doesn't present with any pain. In these cases, patients can be unaware that an implant is infected. Monitor your symptoms, and schedule regular checkups to help catch issues in their early stages.

How to Treat an Infected Dental Implant

Treatment for infected dental implants involves a combination of approaches, tailored to the patient's unique condition.

Initially, you may be prescribed antibiotics to control bacterial growth. Professional cleaning of the affected area can help alleviate mild infections. In more severe cases, it might be necessary to remove the infected tissue with surgical intervention.

In the most severe cases, the infection causes bone loss or damages the implant. In this instance, the dentist will take an x-ray, remove the failed implant, and treat the infection. Later, they will use bone grafting to create a foundation for a new dental implant restoration.

Preventing Dental Implant Infection

Dental care is the key to reducing the risk of dental implant infection. With proper care, you can keep your gum tissue healthy and increase your chances of long term success.

Brushing your teeth can help reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. After your surgery, you should brush and floss twice daily, the same as you would with your natural teeth. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help minimize bacteria buildup.

You should also make regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to help catch any potential issues early. On top of regular checkups, consider making healthy lifestyle changes like quitting smoking. Each of these healthy habits work in tandem to help keep your dental implants in great shape for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implant Infections

How do you know if a dental implant is infected?

Signs include swelling, redness, pain, pus, and loosening teeth. Not all cases will present with pain, so be mindful of other symptoms and schedule regular check-ups with your dentist.

Can antibiotics save an infected dental implant?

Antibiotics and professional teeth cleaning can help in early intervention, but surgery may be needed in severe cases.

How common are infections after dental implants?

Infections are rare but can happen due to poor aftercare, risky behaviors, or pre-existing conditions.

Does an infected implant need to be removed?

Early treatment can save the implant, but removal is necessary in severe cases.

Can a dental implant infection go away on its own?

A dental implant infection will not go away on its own, and may lead to complications if left untreated. If you suspect an infection, contact your dentist immediately.