Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for missing teeth, with a success rate of over 95%. However, like any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications, including infection. Ignoring the signs of a dental implant infection can lead to implant failure, further oral health issues, and potentially serious systemic illness. In this article, we’ll cover the top 7 warning signs that your dental implant may be infected and what you should do about it.
1. Pain and Discomfort
One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of an infected dental implant is pain or discomfort around the implant site. While some tenderness is normal immediately after implant surgery, pain that persists, worsens, or begins sometime after healing is a red flag.
The pain associated with an infected dental implant is often described as:
- Throbbing or pulsing
- Constant or recurring
- Dull aching or sharp pain
- Radiating beyond the immediate implant area
- Intensifying when biting down or chewing
If you’re experiencing any of these types of pain around your dental implant, especially if it’s interfering with eating or not responding to over-the-counter pain relievers, contact your dentist right away. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the infection from causing further damage.
2. Redness and Swelling of the Gums
Another visible sign of a potential dental implant infection is gum inflammation around the implant. Look out for:
- Gums that are red instead of a healthy pink
- Swollen, puffy gums
- Gum tenderness or pain
- Gums that feel hot to the touch
Some minor swelling is expected for a few days after getting an implant. But if you notice increasing redness and inflammation, or it develops later on, it’s likely a sign of infection. The sooner you get it checked out by your dentist, the better the chances of saving your implant.
3. Persistent Bad Taste or Breath
If you’ve been experiencing an unpleasant taste that won’t go away, even after brushing, or chronic bad breath (halitosis), your dental implant could be to blame. An infected implant can produce a bad taste or odor due to:
- Buildup of bacteria and debris around the implant
- Pus oozing from the infection
- Necrotic (dead) tissue in the gums or bone
Don’t ignore a foul taste or odor coming from your implant. Make an appointment with your implant dentist to identify the underlying cause and treat any infection.
4. Bleeding or Discharge (Pus)
Bleeding gums or pus are telltale signs of an infection around a dental implant. You may notice:
- Gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Gums bleed spontaneously
- Blood or pus leaking from around the implant
- Pus oozing when pressing on the gums
- Thick, discolored discharge on your toothbrush or dental floss
While some bleeding is common in the first few days after implant placement, continued or late-onset bleeding is a cause for concern. And pus is always an indication of infection. See your dentist immediately if you observe blood or pus around your dental implant.
5. Loose or Shifting Implant
Dental implants are designed to fuse securely with your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for a crown or other restoration. If your implant feels loose, wiggly, or like it has shifted out of place, it’s a serious warning sign. An implant may become unstable due to:
- Infection attacking the surrounding bone
- Insufficient bone growth and integration
- Physical trauma or excessive biting forces
Never try to push a loose implant back into place or ignore any movement. Contact your dentist right away to have your implant evaluated. Prompt treatment may help prevent complete implant failure.
6. Receding Gums Around Implant
Gum recession is another potential sign of an infected dental implant. Watch for:
- Gums pulling away from the implant
- Exposed implant threads that were previously covered
- Elongated appearance of the implant or crown
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
When gums recede due to infection, it can leave the implant surface exposed to more bacteria, allowing the infection to progress rapidly. Receding gums also increase the risk of implant failure. If you notice your gums pulling back from your dental implant, schedule a dental exam as soon as possible.
7. Fever or Fatigue
In some cases, a dental implant infection can lead to systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue. This is a sign that the infection has spread beyond the implant site and is affecting your entire body. Other symptoms may include:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw
- General feeling of malaise
- Headache and sinus pressure
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
A fever related to a dental implant infection requires immediate medical attention. Left untreated, the bacteria from the infection can travel through your bloodstream and cause serious health complications.
What Causes Dental Implant Infections?
Several factors can contribute to the development of an infection after dental implant surgery, such as:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Compromised immune system
- Certain medications that suppress immune function
- Inadequate bone volume or density
- Incorrect implant placement
- Contamination during the surgical procedure
- Allergic reaction to implant materials
While some of these risk factors are unavoidable, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and following your dentist’s pre- and post-operative instructions closely can significantly reduce the chances of infection.
Treating an Infected Dental Implant
Treatment for an infected dental implant depends on the severity of the infection and how much damage has occurred. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the implant and recommend the best course of action, which may include:
- Antibiotics to eliminate bacteria
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses
- Deep cleaning around the implant (debridement)
- Surgical intervention to clean the implant surface
- Bone and gum grafting to repair lost tissues
- Removal of the implant if the infection is severe
The earlier an infection is detected and treated, the better the chances of saving the implant. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed to allow the infection to clear before replacing it with a new implant.
Preventing Dental Implant Infections
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of infection after getting dental implants:
- Practice good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing daily
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash as directed by your dentist
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products
- Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes
- Take antibiotics before and after surgery as prescribed
- Attend regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings
- Avoid putting excessive force on the implant while it heals
By being proactive about your oral health and working closely with your dental team, you can enjoy the benefits of dental implants while reducing the chances of complications like infection.
If you suspect you may have an infected dental implant, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact your implant dentist right away to schedule an evaluation. Acting quickly can make all the difference in saving your implant and protecting your oral and overall health.