5 Signs of Dental Implant Infection

Dental implants are a widely sought-after solution in restorative dentistry, offering a path to natural-looking and functional teeth. Many of our LA patients seek out permanent treatments that can bring back their ability to bite and chew without pain. But to continue enhancing their oral health and appearance, patients who visit their trusted periodontist need to practice continued maintenance and care. Below we cover 5 signs of dental implant infection.

In some cases, complications can arise, leading to dental implant infections. Some of these complications may be caused by improper installation, while others may be a result of lifestyle habits. In order to get the best care possible from your periodontal expert, we have made a list of the top 5 signs of dental implant infection for you to recognize right away.

Poorly-Fitting Implants

Dental implants should fit seamlessly in your mouth. Before the implants are installed, your dentist customizes the device to match your unique oral structure by making molds of your teeth. If you notice any issues with the fit or stability of your implant soon after your surgery, you need to contact your dentist immediately. Loose implants are usually a result of improper installation and can lead to irritation and inflammation of your gums.

Consistent, Painful Symptoms

While dental implants rarely become loose or fall out, experiencing pain or discomfort around the implant area is a serious concern that means something is not going right in your healing process. You might notice that your implant feels physically loose, or you have pain in certain areas of your mouth. Other symptoms to be aware of include:

Bone loss in the teeth or jaw
Bleeding when touching the implant
Discoloration or swelling around the implant
Signs of infection (pus, pain, inflammation)
Persistent pain around the implant site

If you encounter any of these symptoms, you might be in the early stages of dental implant infection. This condition can be treated, but you need to act fast to avoid as much pain as you possibly can.

Tooth Loss

Dental implants are a preferred solution for combating tooth loss due to issues like gum disease or decay. However, a prerequisite for successful implantation is having healthy and stable gums. Gum disease and dental implants do not mix well, as diseased gums can jeopardize the implant’s ability to attach to the jawbone. Maintaining excellent gum health is needed in order to become a good candidate for dental implants.

Smoking-Related Infections

Smoking has a detrimental effect on your body’s ability to combat infections, making smokers more vulnerable to oral health issues. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to commit to the healing process after implant surgery. Not to mention, it can lead to jawbone infections which spread quickly to other parts of the body.

Outdated Implant Technology

Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. However, the choice of implant technology and dental tools available to your periodontist can play a big role in how long they last in your mouth. The best way to avoid dental implant infection and keep your mouth healthy is to invest in a practice that employs state-of-the-art technology, such as 3D printing and guided surgery options.

Invest in Your Future Smile with LA Wilshire Periodontics

All medical procedures carry inherent risks. But dental implants have one of the highest global success rates. This makes them a great idea for anyone looking to strengthen their smile. Our dental experts will always recommend implants to patients with extreme restoration needs, as our dental implants are made to fit the exact specifications of your mouth.

You can learn more about your dental implant options and take steps to avoid dental implant infection by getting in touch with our LA specialists today. After your one-on-one consultation, you will have a clear idea of what direction your oral health can go. Reach out to our friendly experts today and start your smile transformation!