Dental implants are an effective way to replace a single tooth or multiple missing teeth. Implant dentistry is also recommended by dentists to replace missing teeth because implants are more durable than dentures and dental bridges. You might know that the Dental Implants look and function like natural teeth.
Did you know that artificial teeth mounted on metal posts (implants), are also susceptible to infection?
Recent statistics show that approximately 50% of dental implants patients experience infection following the surgery. Implant failure can result from such infection.
What causes dental implant infections?
Infections on implants are primarily caused by factors that cause oral bacteria to invade our gums. These periodontal infections are caused by tobacco use, bruxism and diabetes, as well as poor oral hygiene.
Other causes of dental implant infection include:
- Implant placement incorrect
- Poor design workmanship
- An infection occurs after implant surgery
- Peri Implantitis is the name of such infections around your implants. It usually occurs after the surgery, but can also occur months, years or even days later. This can be due to a bacterial infection or poor craftsmanship of the implant.
Symptoms associated with an infected Dental Implant
The patient may experience or observe the following symptoms in the event of infection.
- Gum swelling
- Gum recession
- Difficulty chewing
- Loose Teeth
- Gum discoloration
- Bleeding gums
- Bad Breath
- Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you experience persistent bleeding or fever after the surgery.
What happens if you don't treat it?
You may be surprised by the negative effects of periimplantitis. This infection should be treated as soon as you can.
Untreated peri-implantitis, or infection of dental implants, can lead to:
It is an infection of the jawbone which causes jawbone weakness. This will result in the extraction of some jawbones.
It will also spread to the adjacent gum tissue and deteriorate the support for the teeth. Multiple teeth will be lost.
The roots of the teeth on the upper gums will reach the sinus area. Sinus pain can result from the infection spreading to the sinus.
What is the best way to get rid of this infection
Dental implant infection can be cured. The antibodies are sufficient to stop the infection from spreading. If you receive treatment at the earliest stage of infection, it will be beneficial. You will need to undergo surgery to cure the infection.
A dental implant patient may benefit from Laser-Assisted Peri Implant Procedure (LAPIP), which can ba used to treat an infection around the implant.
In some cases, the patient may need to remove the implant to clear the infection. Infections can lead to a greater risk of bone loss in the affected area. He/she will need bone grafting before the artificial teeth are implanted.
Conclusion
Oral bacteria will always look for an opportunity to survive and inherit in our mouth. After the infection has been removed, gum disease can still develop. Even after the implant has fused to the bone, it will still affect the implant.
You should therefore maintain a good oral hygiene and dental implants care in order to keep your teeth, as well as the Implant, away from any infection. You are responsible for protecting your implant.