Can Dental Implants Get Infected? (Common Signs & Symptoms)

Imagine stepping out with a brand new, confident smile thanks to your dental implants.

But wait, did you know even these cutting-edge solutions can sometimes face an unexpected challenge – infections?

While it’s true that dental implants can become infected, just like natural teeth, there’s no need for panic.

Implant infections are relatively rare, and they’re quite treatable with timely intervention.

[icon type=”fas fa-arrow-right” color=”#5d9ee1″] Recommended Reading: Dental Implants | The Ultimate Guide

Can Dental Implants Get Infected?

Yes, Implant infections occur when bacteria infiltrate the area surrounding the implant, causing inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissue.

A dental implant infection, or peri-implantitis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the gum and bone around a dental implant. This infection can compromise the success of the implant and, if left untreated, may lead to implant failure.

Several possible causes of implant infections include poor oral hygiene, smoking, pre-existing gum disease, and a compromised immune system. Discussing your risk factors with your dentist before getting implants is important.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are surgically implanted into your jawbone, fusing with the bone and providing a stable base for a replacement tooth.

While dental implants are generally safe and have a high success rate, they can get infected.

[icon type=”fas fa-arrow-right” color=”#5d9ee1″] Recommended Reading: Who is Not Suitable for Dental Implants? (Dentist’s Perspective)

Symptoms of Dental Implant Infection

If you have a dental implant, it’s important to know the signs of infection. So, what are the symptoms of a dental implant infection?

Key Symptoms

• Swelling or redness around the implant site
• Pain or tenderness around the implant site
• Bleeding or discharge from the implant site
• A foul taste or odor in your mouth
• A loose implant
• Fever or chills (in severe cases)

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is important. Dental implant infection is treatable at early stages.

Treatment methods include mechanical cleaning, antibacterial irrigation or surgical procedures.

Following your dentist’s instructions for caring for your implant is important to reduce infection risk.

This includes keeping the implant site clean and avoiding smoking, which can increase your risk of infection.

Causes of Dental Implant Infection

Bacteria

One of the primary causes of dental implant infection is bacteria. Bacteria can enter your mouth through food, drink, or even the air you breathe. Once inside your mouth, bacteria can grow and multiply, leading to an infection.

According to a recent study, bacterial infections have been reported to be a major risk factor for early and late loss of dental implants.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you do not practice good oral hygiene, you are at a higher risk of developing a dental implant infection.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup in your mouth, eventually leading to an infection.

Gum disease and other oral hygiene issues can increase the risk of osseointegration failure, which means additional corrective work or total implant failure.

[icon type=”fas fa-arrow-right” color=”#5d9ee1″] Recommended Reading: The Dairy Dilemma: Can Consuming Dairy Products Impact Dental Implant Success?

Smoking

Smoking can also increase your risk of developing a dental implant infection. Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections.

Smoking can also restrict blood flow to your gums, slowing down the healing process after implant surgery.

Studies have reported a failure rate of implants in smokers compared to nonsmokers, ranging from 6.5% to 20%.

Medical Conditions

If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, you may be at a higher risk of developing a dental implant infection.

These conditions can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Taking steps to reduce your risk of developing a dental implant infection is important. This includes practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and informing your dentist of any medical conditions you may have.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure a successful implant procedure and reduce your risk of infection.

Preventing Dental Implant Infections

Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental implant infections.

This includes brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove any food particles and bacteria trapped between your teeth and gums. You should also use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria in your mouth.

Recommendations

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove any food particles and bacteria
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria

[icon type=”fas fa-arrow-right” color=”#5d9ee1″] Recommended Reading: 17 Foods to Avoid After Dental Implants (17 Foods to Eat)

Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are essential for the health of your dental implants.

During your checkup, your dentist will examine your implants and check for any signs of infection or other issues. They will also clean your teeth and gums to remove any plaque and tartar that may have built up since your last visit.

Recommendations

• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups
• Have your implants examined for signs of infection or other issues
• Clean your teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar buildup

Avoiding Smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of developing a dental implant infection. Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. It can also reduce blood flow to your gums, slowing the healing process after implant surgery.

Recommendations

• Avoid smoking to reduce your risk of infection
• Smoking weakens your immune system
• Reduced blood flow to your gums can slow down the healing process

Treating Dental Implant Infections

If you have a dental implant infection, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Your dentist will determine the best course of action based on the severity of the infection.

Antibiotics

If the infection is caught early, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics as directed, even if you start feeling better before you finish them.

Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to the infected area. Your dentist will determine the best method based on the severity of the infection and your overall health.

Surgery

If the infection is more advanced, your dentist may need to perform surgery to remove the implant and clean the area.

This is usually a last resort, but preventing the infection from spreading may be necessary.

During the surgery, your dentist removes the implant and cleans the area thoroughly. They may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent further infection.

Following your dentist’s instructions carefully after treatment is important to ensure a full recovery. This may include taking antibiotics, avoiding certain foods, and improving oral hygiene.

Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any signs of infection, such as swelling, bleeding, or pain around your dental implant. With prompt treatment, most dental implant infections can be successfully treated.

Dentist-Recommended Products

I recommend using these products to help you heal and recover faster after dental implant surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My Experience & Expertise

As a dentist, I have seen many patients with dental implants.

While dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth, they are not immune to infections.

If you have dental implants, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bacteria buildup, which can cause infections around your dental implants.

During your dental implant procedure, your dentist will provide instructions on caring for your implants. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to reduce your risk of infection.

Highlights

• Pain or discomfort around your dental implant
• Swelling or redness around your dental implant
• Bleeding around your dental implant
• A foul taste or odor in your mouth
• Fever or chills

Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist with any concerns about your dental implants. With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants can last a lifetime.

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!

Sources

• Korsch M. Microbiological findings in early and late implant loss: an observational clinical case-controlled study. BMC Oral Health. 2021.
• Kasat V. Smoking and dental implants. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2012.

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