Dental implants are an effective way to permanently replace damaged or missing teeth, but risks are involved. Infection may occur leading to dental implant failure. However, there are ways to prevent infections and ensure your surgery succeeds.
What Causes Infections After Dental Implants?
A 2022 NIH study examined the causes of dental implant infections (periimplantitis). Common issues include:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Dental implants may not be ‘real teeth’ but still require dental care. Individuals with implants must maintain proper dental hygiene through brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Failure to do so can result in tartar and plaque buildup which can cause infection.
- Smoking: Smoking negatively affects immunity making it difficult for the body to heal. Smokers are more likely to develop post-implant infections.
- Implant Placement: If implants are placed improperly, there may be a space between the bone and the fixture. Bacteria can develop in that space causing an infection.
- Early Loading: Some dentists perform early loading which involves placing a prosthetic onto the implant before it has fully healed or Osseo integrated. It results in faster treatment time and fewer visits. However, it has also been shown to increase the risk of infection.
- Immune-Related Illness: People with immune-related illnesses do not have the natural defenses to fight infection and may encounter issues.
- Allergic Reaction: An infection may occur if the patient is allergic to titanium alloy or another implant material.
- Bite Misalignment: A bite misalignment can contribute to bacterial growth.
- Grinding or Clenching: Patients who bite and clench their teeth are more prone to infection.
What are the Signs of Post-Dental Implant Infection?
Patients should monitor oral health post-implantation to look for early signs of infection. When symptoms are identified early, they can be treated before they lead to more serious issues.
An untreated infection may lead to implant failure and bone loss. It can also cause life-threatening health conditions like sepsis, brain abscesses, endocarditis, sinusitis, osteomyelitis, cysts, and Ludwig’s angina.
Here are some symptoms to look out for.
- Red or swollen gums at the implant site
- Loose implants
- Unusual pain
- Bleeding during brushing
- Fever
- Visible threads
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Puss at the implant site
- Gum discoloration
What is the Risk of Post-Dental Implant Infection?
The risk of post-dental implant infection is relatively low occurring in only 4% to 10% of patients. Your risk will increase if you are a smoker, practice poor dental hygiene, or have an immune-related illness.
How to Prevent a Post-Implant Infection
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Your dentist will recommend a proper oral hygiene routine for dental implant care. Typically, this consists of brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Rinse your mouth once or twice daily with a dentist-approved mouthwash or saltwater solution. You will also be provided with a special floss.
- Avoid Smoking: Tobacco invites bacteria into the mouth and can impact the ability to heal properly. If you smoke, consider quitting or cutting back to avoid infection.
- Avoid High-Sugar Foods and Beverages: Sugar causes bacteria buildup. It can be especially harmful to patients who are healing from dental implant surgery as it can hide in the crevices of the mouth at the implant site.
- Take Recommended Antibiotics: Dentists typically prescribe antibiotics to avoid infection during healing. They may also apply an antibiotic directly to the implant site. Patients must follow orders regarding antibiotic dosage to ensure successful healing.
How Do Dentists Diagnose an Infected Implant?
The first thing a doctor will do is take an x-ray of the affected area. The image will reveal if the infection caused bone loss. It will also help them determine the cause of infection.
How Do Dentists Treat Peri-Implantitis?
Surgical and nonsurgical methods may be used to treat peri-implantitis. Common treatments include:
- Local Debridement: This medical procedure removes damaged or dead tissue from a wound to promote healing. It can be surgical or non-surgical. With biological debridement, sterile maggots eat old tissue to control infections.
- Implant Surface Decontamination: Decontamination may be mechanical using brushes and titanium curettes. Chemical disinfectants may be applied. Dentists may also use laser therapy which uses light-sensitive chemicals to treat infections.
- Anti-Infective Therapy: Anti-infective therapy typically involves antibiotics delivered to the surface of the implant.
- Removal of the Implant: If the infection is extensive, the implant may be removed. If the dentist can control the infection, it may be replaced later.
- Bone Grafting: Bone grafting will be necessary if the infection causes extreme bone loss. It involves taking artificial materials or materials from other parts of the body to fortify the area.
Can an Infected Implant Be Saved?
An infected implant can be saved if caught in the early stages. A dentist will remove the plaque and calculi using non-surgical methods. They may also recommend antibiotics and modify the implant if necessary.
If the infection is not treated early and bone loss is advanced, the dentists may need to surgically clean the area, decontaminate the microimplant surface, and use bone regeneration techniques to recover the lost bone. The implant must be removed before surgery is performed, but it may be replaced at another time.
Finding the Right Provider Helps
Infection can also be prevented with the right provider. An experienced provider will place the implant properly to reduce the risk of infection. They will familiarize themselves with your medical history and use preventative measures to ensure an infection does not occur.
If an infection develops, they will provide effective treatment.
32ology is Your Source for Dental Implants in Los Angeles
If you require dental implants, look no further than Tarzana’s 32ology. Dr. Choi is our implant expert. He has performed countless successful surgeries that improve oral health and boost self-confidence.
Dr. Choi is known for his gentle touch and comprehensive industry knowledge. He has undergone extensive training and is up on the latest procedures. He uses advanced technology to ensure successful outcomes and minimally invasive treatments.
Dr. Choi – Dental Implant Specialist in Los Angeles, CA.
32ology Dental Studio – Multi Specialty Dental Center
18740 Ventura Blvd., Ste 108 Tarzana CA 91356
(818) 776-1236
Serving : Tarzana | Sherman Oaks | Encino | Woodland Hills | West Hills | Reseda