A lot of people are surprised to find out that a dental implant can become infected just like a normal tooth! If they are not properly cared for, they can experience the problems that your other teeth experience as a result of neglect. That’s why it’s so important to maintain your dental implant and all your natural teeth equally! Below are some of the tell-tale signs that you have an infected dental implant.
The most common type of infection related to dental implants is peri-implantitis. This is an infection of the gums around the implant which can be the result of a number of things, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
- A compromised immune system
- Bruxism
- Smoking
- A misaligned bite
- An allergic reaction to the implant
No matter what the cause of the infection, it’s important to address it sooner rather than later before it gets worse. When an implant gets infected, it can result in bone loss and will eventually cause the implant itself to fail.
Seeing a dentist at the first sign of symptoms greatly enhances the likelihood of successful treatment. You’ll want to consult a dental professional in case you encounter any of the following symptoms:
The Implant is Loose
If you can feel that the implant is loose or wobbly, it not only could be a sign of infection, it could be a sign that the implant is failing. You’ll want to address it as soon as you can by visiting a dentist.
Pain Near the Implant
If the area around the implant is causing you pain, or if you’re having difficulty chewing with the implant, it may be a sign of infection. Generally, patients will feel a throbbing pain or a dull ache near the site. Likewise, if the gums around the implant are red or puffy or bleed when you brush your teeth, there is probably something wrong.
Bad Breath
If you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth despite your good oral hygiene habits, it’s possible that it could be a sign of infection—especially if the smell is present day after day.
