One of the most common complications of dental implant is implant infections. And the commonest type of infection is peri implantitis. Peri implantitis is a type of gum disease that if left untreated can lead to bone loss and subsequently implant failure.
Implant infections are usually caused by bacterial infections, which can either build up in the patient’s mouth immediately after dental implant surgery or some years after. More so, if your dentist uses dental implant materials of poor quality, an infection can grow due to this. That is why using titanium dental implants material is recommended.
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The Rate of Dental Implant Infections
Implant infections are reportedly on the high side, as a study by the University of Gothenburg revealed that about 50 percent of patients who underwent oral surgery showed signs of peri implantitis while about 14.5 percent of that group have moderate to severe complications, such as substantial bone loss.
Hence, about half of every patient who receives dental implant surgery may get some forms of implant infections. This shows the extremely high importance of oral hygiene.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Implant Infections
Here are 6 signs that your dental implant may be infected:
Bad breath/bad taste – when your dentist uses poor quality implants materials, they get infected and emit a kind of smell, which can cause bad breath and bad taste. Hence, if after a series of brushing and flossing, your bad taste and bad breath are not improved, chances are that your dental implant is infected.
Pus or bleeding – you probably have an infection if you notice any pus or bleeding of the implant area or your gums. Even if you experience only bleeding around you’re the implant area or gums when brushing, it calls for concern.
Pain or fever – most times, pain around the implant area and fever in the body are associated with bacterial infections. This occurs as the body puts up a defense against the bacteria.
Difficulty in chewing – If your dentist does not use the titanium dental implants for you, you may end up having difficulties in chewing even if the implant area is not infected. This is because titanium dental implants are stronger, more durable and are able to fuse easily with your gums and jaw bone, making it possible for you to chew as you would do normally.
Red or swollen gums – if your gums are red or swollen, these are key indicators that you have implant infections. Sometimes, your gums may not appear physically swollen, but they may appear swollen when touched.
Loose implant – dental implant materials of lesser quality have more potential of contracting bacterial infections. An unstable or loose dental implant that feels like it would fall out of your mouth is possibly infected by bacterial infections and needs to be replaced as soon as possible with an implant of better quality.
Are you experiencing any of the signs above, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. If left untreated, an infected dental implant may cause a serious oral damage. We have the necessary treatment and can as well replace your current dental implant with titanium dental implant to save your mouth from dental implant infection.
Call to schedule an appointment at 832-430-1406
What Happens When A Dental Infection Goes Untreated?
If you notice any symptom that shows you likely have implant infection, act fast to commence implant treatment. An untreated implant infection can deteriorate in many other things that will make life more inconvenient for you.
For instance, if the infection remains untreated, some of your jaw bone may eventually be removed. The infection would weaken your jaw bone and mouth overall. You may even lose your teeth if you don’t treat the infection. Aside from the fact that the infection may cause you to replace your dental implant, it may cause the surrounding natural teeth to be removed also.
The bacterial infections can spread to the sinuses and soft tissues also. The roots of most upper teeth extend into the sinuses, hence, when they are infected, the infection can easily spread to the sinuses if left untreated. This would cause a painful sinus infection. When untreated infection affects the mouth’s soft tissues, it causes many issues, which include issues with your airways.
In critical cases, bacterial infections can cause septicemia, a health issue where your entire bloodstream is infected with bacteria. A small section of the infected bloodstream may rupture and spill into the blood. This will circulate all through to the other part of your body and may lead to a life-threatening situation.
If the infection remains untreated, in the long-run it may spread to your brain. This is a very dangerous medical condition that may cause you to stay in a hospital for treatment for days. It is, therefore, important to treat implant infection as soon as possible.
Dental Implant Infection Treatment
Like stated above, if you notice any signs and symptoms of dental implant infections, quickly consult your dentist. Your dentist will know how to treat your dental implant infection. The best treatment for dental implant infection is preventative care. However, proper oral hygiene and well-done dental implant procedure with good quality implant materials are the best preventive steps to dental implant infection.
If you peradventure experience a dental implant infection, the implant treatment for you depends on the stage of your implant infection. For instance, if the bacterial infection occurs immediately after your dental implant surgery, contact your dentist immediately. You may be placed on antibiotics or undergo an implant replacement. In such a case, the best option is to have your dental implant removed before the infection gets worse.
However, if the bacterial infection occurs after the dental crowns are placed, your dentist may adjust your bite on the dental implant, clean the areas of the implant, and give you some antibiotics. Sometimes, you may be referred to a periodontist. That is if you did not get your dental implant carried out by a specialist. In critical cases, undergoing further surgery to either correct or replace the dental implant may be the most effective strategy to treat the implant infection.
Conclusion
From this article, you would have understood that your dental implant may get infected. And if it does, the best thing to do is to call your dental specialist for immediate treatment.
