Effective Treatments for Infection Around Dental Implants
Dental implants are among the most effective treatments for the restoration of the missing teeth that appear natural and functional. As most surgeries do, there are some associated risks with dental implants such as infection. If you realize that there are signs of infection around your dental implant, then it is important that you get help early enough to prevent the spreading of the infection and to enable your dental implant to be successful. Here in this article we answer the question “how to treat infection around dental implant” and suggest preventive actions to maintain a healthy dental implant.
Understanding Dental Implant Infections
What Causes Infections Around Dental Implants?
Infections around dental implants, also known as peri-implantitis, can occur due to several factors:
- Poor oral hygiene: Allergic reactions occur when the patient does not attend to proper oral hygiene, thereby giving bacteria around the implant surface an opportunity to thrive and cause infection.
- Smoking: Smoking has been confirmed to increase chances of implant infections as it is detrimental to oral health and wound healing.
- Medical conditions: Chronic diseases including diabetes and autoimmune diseases, are some of the conditions that weaken the body immune system making it vulnerable to infections.
- Poorly fitted implants: When poorly fitted or located, it becomes possible to harbor spaces that lead to bacterial growth and formation of infection.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
Knowing the signs and symptoms of infection around a dental implant is crucial for one to seek appropriate treatment. These may include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort around the implant
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness of the gum tissue surrounding the implant
- Discharge or pus coming from the implant site
- Loosening of the implant or the crown attached to it
- Fever or a general feeling of being unwell
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you visit your dentist or oral surgeon.
Diagnosing an Infection Around a Dental Implant
Professional Assessment and Diagnostic Tools
Your dentist or oral surgeon will assess the situation to determine if there is an implant infection if it is suspected. This may involve:
- Visual inspection: The dentist will check the health of the gum around the implant, looking for any inflammation, redness or secretion.
- Probing: A periodontal probe will be used to assess the depth of the pockets around the implant because deep pockets may harbor infection.
- X-rays: Radiographic images will indicate if there is bone loss or any change in the structure of the surrounding bones of the implant.
- Bacterial testing: Occasionally, a sample is taken from the bacteria surrounding the implant and examined to identify the kind of infection and how to treat it.
Self-Examination Tips
While it is important that you also visit your dentist for a routine dental check-up where infections around your implant will show, you can examine your implant from the comfort of your home as well. Be careful if you experience any changes in the sensations that you feel, pain or aesthetic alterations in the gum tissue that surrounds the implant. If you have any of these symptoms, do not wait to reach out to your dental professional.
Treatment Options for Dental Implant Infections
Non-Surgical Treatments
Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Therapy
Most implant infections in dental procedures may be eradicated through prescriptions of antibiotic or antimicrobial drugs. Your dentist will then advise you on the right drug to use depending on the type of infection and its severity. The clients should use antibiotics strictly as directed, and finish the whole course regardless of their improvement.
Professional Cleaning and Debridement
Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe a procedure known as debridement in which your implant and the surrounding area is cleaned thoroughly to remove plaque, tartar and diseased tissue. This may require the use of some unique tools or Lasers to gain access into the affected parts and clean them. Debridement assists in preventing the infection from spreading while enabling healing.
Surgical Treatments
Flap Surgery
More severe forms of peri-implantitis require surgical treatment. Flap surgery entails cutting and lifting of the gum in order to visualize the infected area surrounding the implant. The surgeon will also wash the implant with sterile saline solution to get rid of damaged tissue or infected area. The gum tissue is then closed with sutures so that it can heal nicely.
Bone Grafts and Regenerative Procedures
If there has been excessive bone loss due to the infection, your oral surgeon may suggest a bone graft or a regenerative procedure for the support bone. Some of these include the employment of grafts from various sources and growth factors which help in the development of the healthy bone surrounding the implant. This assists to maintain stasis of the implant and increases its chances of long-term survival.
Preventing Future Infections
Proper Oral Hygiene Practices
The main causes of dental implant infections include negligence in oral hygiene. Tooth brushing should be done twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and floss once a day especially around the implant area. It is also recommended to use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean spaces between teeth and gum efficiently. Your dentist may also advise you to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to control the growth of bacteria.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Schedule a dental check-up and cleaning at the time your dentist suggests which is usually every 6 months. These visits help your dental team examine the condition of your implant, signs of infection, and any preventive measures that may be required.
Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations
If you really want to avoid chances of implant infections then it will be better that you quit smoking and maintain a healthy diet which should be nutritious and balanced. One must limit consumption of sweets and other foods with high sugar content and also acids, as they have a capacity to bring bacteria and compromise the firming bones.
In conclusion, answering “how to treat infection around dental implant”, early diagnosis and management of dental implant infection is crucial in preserving the health of your dental implant. Knowing the causes, signs, and ways to treat such infections will enable you to collaborate with your dental care team to treat any infections as a result of poor oral hygiene. Daily care, coming for regular appointments, and following the rules of a healthy lifestyle will reduce the chances of developing other complications during the implant treatment and will help receive a beautiful and durable smile.
