How to Prevent an Infection After Dental Implants
Overview
Dental Implants are a life-changing experience that can improve the smile, comfort and confidence of the person, restoring the function of the mouth. However, Dental implant procedures may sometimes require more than a few surgeries.
Though Dental Implants surgery is a common dental procedure and is quite safe, rare complications may sometimes occur. Adequate post-implantation care can ensure the prevention of infection and the success of the procedure.
Dental Implant infection is one of the most common complications that can occur after dental implant surgery, but usually, it is a minor issue that can be easily taken care of.
However, some useful information can always be helpful if one has got a dental implant procedure done or is about to go in for one.
We have tried to address some common queries regarding the same in this article.
What Is the Technique Behind Dental Implants?
A popular dental procedure for permanent restoration of missing teeth, dental implants consist of putting a small screw-like structure into the jaw bone by the dentist. This screw made of titanium forms the root of the new tooth. However, people with severe jawbone loss may have to undergo a bone graft beforehand.
The implant helps in stimulating the regrowth of the bone and provides stability to the new tooth. The top of the implant is attached upon the healing of the dental implant site and a crown is placed providing the patient with a tooth restoration that is not only permanent but also looks and feels natural.
Dental Implants and Infection
Inflammation of the area around the implant site is called a Dental Infection. The two primary types of Dental Infections include:
- Peri-implant mucositis: Usually caused by poor oral hygiene, this is the less severe of the two types of infections. A formation of a plaque biofilm between the implant and prosthetic leads to an inflammation of the soft tissue around the implant. However, there is no further bone loss.
- Peri-implantitis: An untreated peri-implant mucositis can lead to this infection which is a more serious and harmful inflammatory disease involving the soft and hard tissues around dental implants. This infection involves a larger area of the bone which encompasses the artificial tooth root.
Common Signs of Dental Implant Infection
The healing time after the surgery leaves the area uncovered and susceptible to harmful bacteria. Though the risk of infection after dental implant surgery is not very high and its treatment relatively simple, timely action and consulting a dentist immediately on developing the warning signs can go a long way in its treatment. Knowledge of the signs to watch for can go a long way in controlling the infection on time.
Symptoms of Infection may Include:
Pain and Trouble in Chewing
Every invasive dental procedure involves some amount of pain post-surgery. However, this pain should be easily manageable with an over-the-counter pain killer.
Any abnormal increase in pain to the degree where it hinders talking and chewing may be a sign of an infection.
Fever, Redness, and Swelling
Just like pain, a little swelling also around the area of surgery which may last for a few days is also normal after getting the implants.
However, if it stretches past the first few days or there are any signs of severe swelling and redness, especially accompanied by fever, do consult us at Morgan Hill Dentistry immediately as this can be a potential sign of infection.
Overview
Dental Implants are a life-changing experience that can improve the smile, comfort and confidence of the person, restoring the function of the mouth. However, Dental implant procedures may sometimes require more than a few surgeries.
Though Dental Implants surgery is a common dental procedure and is quite safe, rare complications may sometimes occur. Adequate post-implantation care can ensure the prevention of infection and the success of the procedure.
Dental Implant infection is one of the most common complications that can occur after dental implant surgery, but usually, it is a minor issue that can be easily taken care of.
However, some useful information can always be helpful if one has got a dental implant procedure done or is about to go in for one.
We have tried to address some common queries regarding the same in this article.
What Is the Technique Behind Dental Implants?
A popular dental procedure for permanent restoration of missing teeth, dental implants consist of putting a small screw-like structure into the jaw bone by the dentist. This screw made of titanium forms the root of the new tooth. However, people with severe jawbone loss may have to undergo a bone graft beforehand.
The implant helps in stimulating the regrowth of the bone and provides stability to the new tooth. The top of the implant is attached upon the healing of the dental implant site and a crown is placed providing the patient with a tooth restoration that is not only permanent but also looks and feels natural.
Dental Implants and Infection
Inflammation of the area around the implant site is called a Dental Infection. The two primary types of Dental Infections include:
- Peri-implant mucositis: Usually caused by poor oral hygiene, this is the less severe of the two types of infections. A formation of a plaque biofilm between the implant and prosthetic leads to an inflammation of the soft tissue around the implant. However, there is no further bone loss.
- Peri-implantitis: An untreated peri-implant mucositis can lead to this infection which is a more serious and harmful inflammatory disease involving the soft and hard tissues around dental implants. This infection involves a larger area of the bone which encompasses the artificial tooth root.
Common Signs of Dental Implant Infection
The healing time after the surgery leaves the area uncovered and susceptible to harmful bacteria. Though the risk of infection after dental implant surgery is not very high and its treatment relatively simple, timely action and consulting a dentist immediately on developing the warning signs can go a long way in its treatment. Knowledge of the signs to watch for can go a long way in controlling the infection on time.
Symptoms of Infection may Include:
Pain and Trouble in Chewing
Every invasive dental procedure involves some amount of pain post-surgery. However, this pain should be easily manageable with an over-the-counter pain killer.
Any abnormal increase in pain to the degree where it hinders talking and chewing may be a sign of an infection.
Fever, Redness, and Swelling
Just like pain, a little swelling also around the area of surgery which may last for a few days is also normal after getting the implants.
However, if it stretches past the first few days or there are any signs of severe swelling and redness, especially accompanied by fever, do consult us at Morgan Hill Dentistry immediately as this can be a potential sign of infection.
Bad Taste in the Mouth
The bad bacteria and debris that can build up in the mouth can also be a reason for dental implant infections.
These bacteria can give rise to a constant bad taste and breath as they settle in the gums and trickle into the mouth.
Bleeding or Pus
The infection can lead to persistent bleeding or leaking of pus into the mouth.
Loosening of Implant
The dental implants are fastened directly onto the jawbone to avoid their becoming loose and to ensure their permanent stability. A loose or shaky implant can be a sign of an infection.
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