Periodontal or teeth scaling and root planing are popular dental procedures that help to treat gum disease or periodontitis and excessive plaque buildup. This procedure is more in-depth than regular teeth cleaning.
A life-changing experience for many people, dental implants can improve the impression of the smile and increase all-around comfort and function.
But Dental implant process is invasive and may require several surgeries.
A relatively common dental procedure, Dental implants go in without a hitch, mostly.
However rare complications are possible as it is with any procedure. Adequate post-implantation care is the key to preventing infection and ensuring that the procedure is successful.
One of the most common complications following surgery is Dental Plant infection and, in most cases, it is a minor problem that can be easily resolved.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma at Kirkland Premier Dentistry says, "Whether one is about to go in for a dental implant procedure or already has one done, it's always helpful to be informed"
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about dental implant infections.
Dental implants help to replace a missing tooth permanently. A small screw-like structure is first installed into the jaw bone by the dentist and it forms the root of the new tooth.
People who have had a severe bone loss in their jaw may need a bone graft beforehand.
This regrowth of the bone is stimulated by the implant, making the new tooth more stable.
On the healing of the tooth, the dentist attaches the top of the implant, giving the patient a permanent tooth that both looks and feels natural.
When the area around the implant site gets inflamed, it's called a Dental Infection. There are two major types of Dental Infection:
Every surgery takes some time to heal, leaving the area exposed and vulnerable to bacteria.
However the risk of infection after dental implant surgery is relatively low, and its treatment is quite easy if the patient acts swiftly and sees a dentist immediately on developing the warning signs.
Symptoms of infection may include the following:
Some pain after any invasive dental procedure is natural but it should be manageable with a prescription or over-the-counter pain killer.
However, if the pain increases or spreads to the point where it interferes with talking and chewing, it may be a sign of an infection.
Similarly to pain a little swelling around the surgery area after getting the implants is also normal.
However, it should not last for more than the first few days. Aggravated swelling and redness, particularly accompanied by fever, can be a sign of infection.
The buildup of bad bacteria and debris is the main cause of dental implant infections.
As these bacteria settle in the gums and trickle into the mouth, it is usually accompanied by a persistent terrible bad taste in the mouth and in some cases a constant bad breath.
The infection may also cause the leaking of blood and pus into the mouth. An infection can cause persistent bleeding which might increase after a few days.
As the dental implants are screwed directly onto the jawbone to keep them from coming loose, they should remain stable for the rest of their life.
An implant that is loose or wobbly is a sign that there is an issue with it and that another procedure may be needed to fix it.
The causes of dental implant infection usually include:
All the symptoms of dental implant infection can be normally avoided with proper care post-implant surgery.
It is extremely important to follow the aftercare instructions given by your dentist carefully.
One of the major contributing factors toward a smooth dental implant experience is consulting a reputed and competent dentist with an extensive dental implant experience for the procedure.
However, the good news is that the risk of dental implant infection is very low, especially if one sticks to a proper care regime post-implant surgery. This includes:
A diligent and optimal hygiene routine can go a long way in preventing an infection from occurring after dental implant surgery.
Gently brushing teeth twice a day helps to prevent the accumulation of infection-causing bacteria.
In addition to brushing, flossing is also very important as it helps to remove the food particles that cannot be reached by a toothbrush.
Robust oral hygiene helps to ensure that the gums and teeth have an environment that is conducive for the implants to thrive.
Regular rinsing is one of the most important aspects of healing dental implants. Rinsing helps to control the accumulation of bacteria, subsequently reducing the risk of infection.
Patients must rinse the mouth once or twice a day with a dentist-approved mouthwash or a saltwater solution.
Smoking can invite a lot of bacteria into the mouth and also compromises the body’s capacity to heal properly.
It is one of the worst things that a patient can do to the implants after surgery. Patients are advised to avoid smoking both before and after the surgery.
Sugar is not good for the gums at any time, but it can be especially damaging to gums when they are in the healing process.
Patients should completely avoid foods and beverages that contain a lot of sugar, during the healing of dental implants.
Being extremely small, sugar particles can hide in the tiny crevices of the mouth, including within the site of the surgery, and can lead to an excessive buildup of the bacteria.
In addition to all these measures, patients should take care to reduce their physical activity for a few days and take the prescribed antibiotics and medicines properly to ensure optimal healing of the implants.
Time is of great essence when it comes to saving dental implants. Ignoring the problem will not only make things worse but also increase the risk of the infection spreading to the body.
One must call the dentist immediately on noticing any of the above-mentioned red flags.
Dental implants can last a lifetime, but only if the initial process is successful. Poor dental hygiene and not following aftercare instructions can lead to dental implant problems.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma stresses the importance of discussing with the dentist about precautions that need to be taken and the ways to take care of the implants immediately following the surgery.
The dentist may give some specific guidelines for proper healing of the implants and it is very important to follow them.
It is also important to remember that if the infection happens, it will not go away on its own and may further lead to serious oral damage if not treated on time.
So it is extremely important to call the dental surgeon immediately if you think your implant is infected.
However, When you are inexperienced and competent hands, there is no need to worry about dental implant infections leading to implant failure.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry, we provide optimal dental implant solutions and make sure our patients are appropriately guided about how to avoid any infections.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Periodontal or teeth scaling and root planing are popular dental procedures that help to treat gum disease or periodontitis and excessive plaque buildup. This procedure is more in-depth than regular teeth cleaning.
One of the most important discoveries in dental history, dental implants have changed the way people view dental restoration. The All-on-X procedure takes dental implants to the next level.
Dental fillings are one of the most common types of routine dental care to treat dental cavities. Almost 91% of adults experience at least one cavity in their permanent teeth during their lifetime.
Routine dental cleaning is the key to a healthy smile. The main goal of Dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar buildup in the teeth and under the gum line to reduce the chances of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss.
A permanent tooth root replacement option that supports artificial teeth, Dental Implants are these days considered an alternative to conventional ways of fixing the problem of missing teeth.
Deep dental cleanings are recommended by the dentist sometimes when one has bleeding or receding gums and loose teeth. Dental hygiene can go a long way in fighting bad breath and preventing gum disease.