Infected Dental Implants
In the years since they were introduced as a replacement option for one or more missing natural teeth, dental implants have become the preferred method for dental restorations for many patients. It is estimated that close to 70% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 in the United States have experienced the loss of one or more of their permanent teeth; these losses may be due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or trauma. Regardless of the cause, the best solution for many people is a dental implant procedure, with about 500,000 U.S. patients choosing dental implant procedures each year. While the majority of dental implants are free of complications, healing properly and allowing their wearers to proceed with a healthy mouth, sometimes, rare complications can arise. Infections are one of these possible complications.
Just as natural teeth can become infected due to neglect and disease, so, too can dental implants. The infection surrounding an implant is known as peri-implantitis and is a type of gum disease. This infection can arise because of tobacco use and other habits, insufficient or ineffective oral hygiene, poorly managed diabetes, problems with the immune system, allergic responses to the implant material, or problems with the bite. Infected dental implants share many of the same features as gum disease, including looseness or wobbling of the implant, redness and swelling around the implant, a bad taste or smell that emanates from the mouth, pain or discomfort, difficulty chewing, bleeding upon brushing, fever, or pus at the implant site. Peri-implantitis can be diagnosed easily by a dentist, who will examine the mouth and also take x-ray images of the implant sites. When diagnosed early, the goal of stopping infection and maintaining the implant can often be met. Treatment may involve medicated mouth rinses, antibiotic or antimicrobial therapies, surface decontamination with lasers or through mechanical debridement, or surgical procedures, and treatment plans depend on the severity of the infection.
When peri-implantitis isn’t diagnosed, its effects can be aggressive and can destroy the tissues of the mouth, as well as triggering systemic illnesses that can damage the internal organs. Even low-grade bacterial infections can lead to complications that are disproportionately serious. Preventing greater infection and saving the implant are the two goals of treatment and are the main reasons early intervention is so important. Your dentist will carefully review your aftercare recommendations, including explaining what to look for in case of infection.
While it is expected that implant recipients will feel some pain or sensitivity shortly following their implant procedure, this discomfort can be controlled with pain medication, either over-the-counter or prescription. If pain cannot be managed and increases or spreads, this may be an early indication of infection. Of particular concern is post-treatment pain that interferes with the wearer’s ability to comfortably chew or talk. A small amount of swelling shortly following surgery is also to be expected and will usually subside within a few days. Swelling that increases following an implant procedure, along with increased redness of the gum tissue and especially the presence of fever, is indicative of infection. Because dental implant infections are often due to an excess of bacteria and debris in the mouth, they may also be characterized by a bad taste or smell in the mouth. The presence of blood or pus near the implant site and looseness and mobility of the implant are also indications of infection. To prevent infection, reduce physical activity following an implant procedure, and adhere to the recommended diet. Be sure to complete any course of medications you may be prescribed, and follow dentist’s instructions for gentle yet thorough hygiene practices. If your dentist has provided you with more specific aftercare instructions, based on your personal clinical needs, be sure to follow them meticulously. If any signs of infection should appear, early intervention is imperative and can make the difference in the success of your implant and in maintaining your overall health; call your dentist immediately if you experience any of the symptoms of infection.