Can dental implants get infected? Yes, and if an infection is not treated promptly, it could lead to severe complications or even death. It is important to understand dental implant complications, like peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration, as well as understand how to prevent infections by following aftercare instructions, identifying issues early, and more.
Picture this: You have finally gotten your long-awaited dental implants, and the smile of your dreams is within reach. However, all of that can be hindered by an infection, which derails the process and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Knowing what to look for is essential for a smooth healing process.
How Do I Tell if My Dental Implant Is Infected?
Dental implants are often painful, so it can be difficult to distinguish normal healing versus infection. However, there are some key symptoms of implant infection:
- Fever: When your immune system responds to infection, it raises the temperature of your body to combat it
- Excessive swelling: Look for swelling that is above the normal level expected during implant recovery
- Intense pain: While it is normal to expect some level of pain during the healing process, pain that is higher than normal could indicate bigger issues
- Red streaks: Streaks coming from your implant sites that go toward your heart or brain are indicators of serious infection
- Foul smell: Often accompanied by pus, which is your body’s way of fighting off infection
If you suspect infection, make an appointment with your oral surgeon for an evaluation. For situations that do not warrant emergency medical care, they will likely clean out the affected area and prescribe antibiotic pills, mouthwash, or both.
Can a Dental Implant Get Infected Years Later?
Yes. While the implant site is most vulnerable to infection directly after the extraction and installation, there is always a chance that it can get infected later on, known as peri-implantitis.
Poor oral hygiene may cause plaque buildup, making it harder to clean debris out of the teeth. Tobacco use can also cause problems.
Common Dental Implant Complications
Infection is an umbrella term for many types of post-implant complications. Here are some of the issues to look out for following your implant surgery.
Nerve Damage
While oral surgeons are highly skilled, they aren’t perfect. Sometimes, an implant can nick or press into existing nerves, causing damage.
Key symptoms of nerve damage include numbness and tingling. Luckily, most nerve damage heals on its own, so it should go away after a few weeks. Your dentist should be able to adjust the implant to resolve acute symptoms, such as excess pain.
Failed Osseointegration
Successful implant surgery relies on the titanium implant’s ability to fuse with the jawbone. When that does not happen, it causes pain and swelling of the gums, as well as loose implants. Long-term, it can also lead to bone changes.
Preventing Implant Infections
If you are worried about post-implant infections, the good news is that they are highly avoidable. Here are some steps to take after your implant procedure to ensure that you do not have further complications while healing.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Always follow the aftercare instructions from your oral surgeon. Some of the steps may seem excessive, but the level of care means that your teeth will be in the best shape possible and drastically lower the chances of infection. Take medicines when prescribed and do not eat prohibited foods.
Identify Issues Early
If you see or feel something, say something. It does not hurt to exercise caution and visit your oral surgeon if you feel that something is not right. They will be able to determine if it is a normal post-surgical symptom or something more serious.
Keep Your Immune System Healthy
Your body’s ability to fight off infections is crucial when it is vulnerable, particularly after a major dental procedure. Try:
- Eating whole foods when permitted
- Getting enough exercise
- Resting
- Avoiding stress triggers
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures?
Dental implants and dentures are both long-lasting solutions for tooth loss. However, they are very different, not only from a price standpoint, but from a structural one as well.
Dentures are removable, so patients can take out their false teeth for cleaning and maintenance. Some of the more high-end dentures offer a hybrid solution with four to eight implants, so that patients can snap them into place for more stability.
Both procedures involve removing all of the teeth. However, dental implants are more intense because the installation includes screws within the existing sockets, while dentures involve few implants or none.
How Long Does Implant Recovery Take?
The total timeframe for dental implant recovery can range from three to six months. Typically, the gums need to heal following the extractions. Then, the actual integration of the implants takes several months.
Are There Patients Who Do Not Qualify for Dental Implants?
Some medical conditions make it difficult or impossible for implants to be successful. Uncontrolled diabetes and active cancer treatments can cause severe complications. Those with weaker immune systems may be more susceptible to infections.
When Does a Dental Implant Infection Warrant a Hospital Visit?
While most infections can be cared for with antibiotics, there are some signs to watch for that require emergency services. If you have severe swelling, a fever, or red streaks going toward your heart or brain, get to the hospital as soon as possible.
Can Dental Implants Get Infected?
Can dental implants get infected? The answer is, unfortunately, yes. However, by keeping an eye on your implants and doing proper aftercare, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting an infection or suffering from any other post-implant complications.
At Morrow & Gayheart Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality services to a wide variety of clients. We take an individualized approach with each client, and our decade of experience serving individuals in the Lexington and London, KY, areas speaks for itself.
Would you like to learn more about all that we have to offer? Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with our care team. We can’t wait to meet you!
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