Dental implants are a popular option for people who want to replace one or more of their natural teeth. More than half of US adults have lost at least one of their permanent teeth, either because of tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, and about 500,000 US adults get dental implants every year. Dental implants are designed to be a permanent replacement option and can be used to support a single replacement tooth or a row of several artificial teeth, and, with the proper care, dental implants placed by reputable dental experts have consistently high success rates. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection developing following a dental implant procedure, and prompt attention from a dentist can make a huge difference in saving the implant and in preventing infection from spreading. Your dentist will give you thorough aftercare instructions, and you should keep an eye out for any signs of possible infection. If any of the following signs of infection appear, call your dentist immediately.
Dental implants are tiny cylindrical screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they heal over time and create a stable, durable base for a dental crown or other type of dental prosthetic. It’s normal to feel some discomfort, or even pain, following dental implant surgery. In most cases, it’s pretty easy to manage this pain with an over-the-counter pain medication. If you notice that your pain increases in the days after your surgery, or if it spreads and begins to interfere with your ability to chew and talk, you may have an infected implant. Mild swelling is also normal after implant surgery, but swelling should reduce after a few days. If swelling increases and is accompanied by redness, or if swelling persists and a fever is present, this is likely a sign of infection.
Infection around a dental implant is called peri-implantitis. Most cases of peri-implantitis are caused by an accumulation of destructive bacteria and food debris in the mouth, which can also cause a bad taste and a bad smell in the mouth. If your gums bleed after your dental implants are placed, this could be because the area is infected. Infection causes red and white blood cells to invade the infected area, where they attempt to overtake the pathogenic bacteria. If there’s blood and pus leaking into the mouth, or if there is bleeding that increases in the days following your surgery, it is highly likely that there is an infection present.
Dental implants are designed to be permanent, so if your dental implant is wiggling or loose, something is wrong. In many cases, the dental prosthetic itself is the component that is mobile, and this usually isn’t a big deal; if the dental crown or restoration has come loose, it can often be reattached with a minor procedure. If the implant post itself is loose, however, this is a certain sign that something has gone wrong, and immediate medical attention is recommended. While it is unlikely that the implant itself can be saved, prompt treatment can prevent serious health conditions from developing and can increase the likelihood of success for a future replacement implant.