The placement of dental implants is one of the most common interventions in dental clinics due to its great results in our smile. However, there are also risk factors that can affect the quality and durability of the dental implant. Like a natural tooth, an implant can be damaged by an infection.
But don’t worry! It is not a common problem if the intervention has been carried out correctly with the appropriate material and the patient carries out the necessary dental hygiene guidelines.
At the Ruiz de Gopegui dental clinic we are specialists in the replacement of lost pieces through implantology. Today we will talk about the problem of an infection of a dental implant and the steps you must follow to avoid it. Read!
Índice
What Is A Dental Implant Infection?
It is a complication in the operated area that causes the failure of dental implants.
As you know, our oral cavity is an area very prone to the accumulation of bacteria. To this factor is added the fact that dental implants do not have as much capacity to defend against possible infections – fewer blood vessels, for example.
That is why after the placement of dental implants, the patient must maximize their oral hygiene to avoid any complications. We can distinguish between two infections depending on the moment:
- Early infection
It is unusual and is related to a complex surgery in which bone regeneration has also had to be done. It usually occurs in patients who smoke or have uncontrolled diabetes.
Infection occurs because the healing process is slower and more complex. Antibiotics prescribed by the specialist and anti-inflammatories should be taken.
Our implantology specialist will plan a visit with the patient after the intervention to know as soon as possible if the implant will fail or not. In case of a misdiagnosis, an explantation should be carried out as soon as possible.
- Late infection
It occurs more frequently and is due to poor control of the patient’s oral hygiene. Plaque builds up and bacteria stick to the surface of the implant.
Types Of Infection From A Dental Implant
Infection of the dental implant can trigger two variants:
- Mucositis
It is an inflammatory reaction that only affects the gum surrounding the implant and is caused by the accumulation of plaque. It would be like gingivitis in the teeth. Luckily, mucositis is a reversible disease that can be solved with the removal of plaque.
It is a much more serious and irreversible injury. There is a loss of the bone surrounding the implant also due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque. Peri-implantitis is the uncontrolled evolution of mucositis. It would be the equivalent of periodontitis on the teeth.
Both infections are progressive, worsen over time, and make implant treatment unsuccessful. That is why they must be controlled as soon as possible.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Dental Implant Infection?
There are a number of symptoms that will help you quickly detect infection in a dental implant:
- Bleeding and drainage from the soft tissues around the implant.
- Redness and inflammation.
- Pain that gradually increases in the implant area.
- Bacterial plaque and tartar.
- Mobility of the implant placed.
You should know that after the intervention it is normal to feel slight discomfort, however, if these last for days, it is possible that you have been infected. You should go to the clinic as soon as possible to solve it.
Risk Factors
There are some habits and factors that influence the appearance of an infection in dental implants:
- History such as periodontitis.
- Smoking patients
- Lack of oral hygiene
- Very thin gums
- Diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes.
These factors make certain people more likely to suffer from a problem in their dental implant.
How Do I Fix It?
The most important thing is to go to the clinic quickly so that the specialist eliminates the infection. Each case is unique and it will be necessary to make an assessment to opt for one approach or another. Antibiotics may be recommended and then, in most cases, the buildup of bacteria and tartar will be removed from the implant surface. In addition, if the specialist sees it necessary, he will also remove the inflamed tissue around the implant.
How To Prevent Infection Of An Implant?
As always, prevention is the best solution to avoid major problems. The truth is that the success of a dental implant depends on two key factors: the implantologist and the materials used and also the habits and care of the patient.
- The patient who undergoes a dental implant must have good oral health.
- The specialist must control and eliminate any type of oral pathology that he detects before placing the dental implants.
- We must maintain the correct oral hygiene guidelines after the intervention
- Go to periodic reviews to evaluate the condition of the implants.
As we have explained, the main cause of dental implant infection is the presence of bacteria in our mouth, therefore, we must take extreme prevention measures.
- It also reduces tobacco use.
- Use complementary materials for hygiene: Such as irrigator, interdental brush or dental floss.
At Ruiz De Gopegui We Take Care Of Your Dental Implants
If you think you may have an infection in one of your dental implants, do not hesitate to call our clinic and make an appointment. Our team of experts will make a complete assessment of your smile and determine the best treatment.
Infections in dental implants, despite not being common, are a serious problem for the smile, so the patient must act in time.
Remember! Take care of your oral health to enjoy a perfect and healthy smile. In our dental clinic you can perform any dental treatment. Put yourself in the hands of the best professionals.