Dental implant infection is one of the most common complications after surgery, and in most cases, it's a minor issue that resolves quickly. Periimplantitis is an inflammatory condition similar to gum disease that affects the gum tissues and the supporting bone surrounding a dental implant. This infection is usually caused by bacteria, which can build up immediately after the procedure or years later and eventually lead to bone loss and implant failure. Symptoms of this condition include gums that bleed easily when gently explored, as well as an increased depth of the pocket between the dental implant and the gum. Dental implant infection can be divided into two stages: peri-implant mucositis and periimplantitis.
Peri-implant mucositis is an attack on the soft tissue around the implant, such as the gums. In most cases, this is highly treatable and reversible. If you notice that the gums around an implant are red, bleeding, or swollen, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible. If treated in time, it may be possible to place another dental implant at a later stage. Periimplantitis is a more serious condition that can cause soft tissue inflammation and bone loss around the implant.
Four Town Dental has two experienced general dentists on staff who have extensive experience and training in dental implants. To clean the implant surface, they may use surgical or non-surgical treatments such as local debridement, decontamination of the implant surface, anti-infective therapy, and if there is advanced bone loss, removal of the implant itself. Kong will do a dental x-ray of the infected dental implant to see if there is any radiographic bone loss. It will then be important to clean the surface of the infected dental implant and, if possible, regenerate any lost support bone through bone grafting. Be sure to check your dental implants for any signs of early inflammation or infection so that immediate action can be taken if necessary. Missing or damaged teeth can have a negative impact on people's smiles and overall dental health.
Fortunately, dental implants can replace these teeth and eliminate certain oral health problems. Periimplantitis is an inflammation similar to gum disease that affects the gum tissues and supporting bone surrounding a dental implant. Kong may use antibiotics when a more serious infection requires surgical intervention to mechanically and chemically disinfect around the dental implant. Designed to be durable replacements for missing teeth, most dental implant procedures are successful. However, one of the concerns with this infection is that it usually causes no pain and patients are often unaware of it.
Periimplantitis can be caused by various issues such as excess cement attached to the implant, placement of implants too close together or angulation of the implant in the bone, poor oral hygiene, poor bone quality, systemic problems such as diabetes or smoking, implant fracture or overload. If your dentist diagnoses an infection, one of the most important treatment steps is to clean the infected dental implant. Be sure to check your implants regularly for any signs of early inflammation or infection so that immediate action can be taken if necessary.
