What To Do if You Have an Infected Dental Implant

Reading time: four minutes.

Dental implants are a fantastic way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, and with proper care, they last a lifetime. However, like any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection.

In this blog, our experienced implant specialist, Dr. J. Travis Thompson, DDS, will discuss the signs of an infected dental implant, how to prevent it, and what to do if you suspect one.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Risk Factors for Infection
  • Common Causes
  • Preventing Implant Infection
• Signs and Symptoms of an Infected Dental Implant
  • Common Signs of Infection
  • Symptoms to Watch For
• Importance of Early Diagnosis
• Treatment Options for Implant Infection
• OFI: Your Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL

Understanding the Risk Factors for Infection

Common Causes

• Bacterial infections: Bacteria can enter the surgical site during or after the dental implant procedure, particularly if your oral hygiene is lacking.
• Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting your oral hygiene routine increases the risk of gum disease, which can lead to infections.
• Gum disease: Existing gum disease can compromise the gum tissues surrounding your dental implant, making it vulnerable.
• Poor bone quality: If you have inadequate bone density, the implant may not integrate well, increasing the risk of complications.

Preventing Implant Infection

• Maintain oral hygiene: Brush your teeth and implants regularly, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. These practices help keep your gums healthy and prevent infections by removing plaque and bacteria.
• Schedule regular checkups: Visit your dental professional frequently. Regular checkups allow for the early identification of potential complications, helping you address issues before they become serious.
• Avoid tobacco products: Refrain from smoking or using tobacco. Tobacco can interfere with healing and negatively impact your overall oral health, increasing the risk of complications with your dental implants.

Signs and Symptoms of an Infected Dental Implant

Knowing the signs of infection can help you seek timely treatment.

Common Signs of Infection

• Look for redness and swelling: Notice if your gum tissues around the implant become red or swollen.
• Watch for pain or discomfort: Pay attention to any persistent pain or sensitivity at the implant site.
• Check for discharge: Look for pus or unusual discharge coming from around the implant.
• Feel for a loose implant: Check if the implant feels wobbly or unstable.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Bad breath: Notice if you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular brushing.
• Unpleasant taste: Be aware of a constant bad taste in your mouth, which can indicate bacterial buildup.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Addressing an infected dental implant early is important to prevent significant complications, including:

• Bone loss: Infections can cause bone tissue to deteriorate, increasing the risk of future tooth loss.
• Complications during treatment: A severe infection may require surgical intervention, such as bone grafting, to restore stability.
• Overall oral health: Failing to treat an infection can lead to systemic health issues, affecting other natural teeth and causing complications in oral health.

Treatment Options for Implant Infection

Here are potential treatment approaches:

• Antibiotic treatment: Your oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection.
• Dental cleaning: Professional cleanings can help remove bacteria and food particles around the implant.
• Surgical intervention: In advanced cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to remove the infected tissue or replace the implant.

You might be tempted to try and treat a tooth abscess at home. This is not recommended – you should see your dentist or oral surgeon right away. If you have a tooth abscess or an abscess around a dental implant, call your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. An abscess requires professional treatment to address the underlying cause and prevent complications.

When waiting for your dental appointment, you can take the following steps to relieve discomfort:

• Rinse with warm salt water: Use a warm salt water rinse to help reduce swelling and clean the affected area. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse several times a day.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage on the label.
• Use a cold compress: Position a cold compress against the outside of your mouth to ease the pain and minimize swelling. Apply it for 15–20 minutes at a time, allowing breaks between applications.

Remember: Trying to DIY a dental abscess is like using a band-aid to fix a broken bone. So, get to your dentist before your abscess decides to throw a bigger party in your mouth!

OFI: Your Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL

If you suspect an infected dental implant or have any concerns about your oral health, reach out to us at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists. Our experienced team will provide you with the best care and treatment options for your unique situation. We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile!

If you are searching for ‘dental implant specialist in Deer Park, IL’ or an ‘oral surgeon near me’ we can help! Call (847) 381-0106 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.