What to Do if a Dental Implant Becomes Infected?

What to Do if a Dental Implant Becomes Infected?

Oct 01, 2022

For many people, missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue. Missing teeth can cause problems with oral health like difficulty chewing. Not only that, but your jaw may also start to curve inwards. This can lead to other problems, like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and tooth decay.

Furthermore, if you don’t have any teeth to support your jaw, your jawbone will start to atrophy.

Dental implants in Sanger, TX, can solve these issues and improve your smile.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of dental treatment that replaces missing teeth. They’re made from titanium and can be placed in your jawbone below the gum line. The implants are then attached directly to your jawbone.

Dental implants differ from other types of dental work because they’re not removable—they’re permanently anchored within the bone around them. The implant is a foundation for new teeth that grow inside its protective shell. It also supports any bridges or crowns that may need replacing later on down the road if necessary; these additional pieces are called abutments or abutment crowns, respectively, and come attached to their respective impressions made during initial consultation visits before placement.

How are Dental Implants Fixed?

The dental implant procedure is done in a few visits across several months. The process begins with an assessment to check if you are eligible for teeth implants. For example, you require sufficient jaw bone to support the implants. If you lack enough bone support, the dentist can recommend a bone graft that stimulates new bone support.

The dentist will fix the implant in the jawbone and stitch the gums to facilitate healing, which can take a few months. During the recovery time, the implant fuses to the bone, creating a strong foundation for the artificial teeth.

The abutments (that connect the implants and crowns) are fixed. These are usually made of metal and are designed to support the weight of the dental prosthetic. Finally, the prosthetic is placed onto the abutments.

What Are The Main Complications With Implants?

Dental implants are a popular procedure, with the number of people receiving them rising yearly. But they’re not without their complications. One complication is that the implant can fail to integrate correctly into the jawbone due to insufficient bone density in the area around it. This can be caused by smoking or other medical conditions, or it may be hereditary.

Another complication is that there may be an allergic reaction to materials used in making dental implants, such as nickel and chromium – both common metals found in alloys for dental work.

How Do I Know If Dental Implant Is Infected?

Signs of early dental implant failure may include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling or redness around the implant site
  • Foul smell,

How Do You Get Rid Of An Implant Infection?

An implant infection can be a serious complication, particularly if the implant is located in a sensitive area like the spine. Infections can cause severe pain, and in some cases, they can even lead to death.

To get rid of implant infection, your dentist may recommend a combination of antibiotics and surgery. Your dentist will remove the infected implant and replace it with a new one. If the infection is severe, your dentist may perform a bone graft to stimulate new bone growth around the implant site.

While a mild infection can be easily treated with antibiotics and good oral hygiene, a more serious case may require extraction and replacement. The best solution to the infection depends on the type of implant and the level of infection. If the symptoms persist, you can alternate between warm and ice compresses. If you experience pain and swelling, see a dentist. You can also use antiseptic rinses.

When you are infected, your dentist will likely take a dental x-ray of the area to check for infection or inflammation. A dentist may also use laser therapy to decontaminate the area around the implant. Antibiotics may be enough to save the implant if an infection is detected early. If it is too advanced, the dentist may recommend a surgical procedure to remove and replace it with a new one.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit the Sanger Dentist for more information about dental implant infection and what you can do to get rid of the infection.

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