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So, you’ve decided to get yourself a nice new shiny dental implant! It’s similar to getting the latest smartphone. You wouldn’t toss it into a puddle and expect it to work, would you? In the same way, your implant needs a little bit of help to make sure that it is safe, secure and free of infection.
But here is the million-dollar question: how on earth can you stop dental implant infection? Be prepared, because in just a few moments, we are going to spell out a fool-proof guide to help keep your dental implant healthy and happy.
What is a Dental Implant Infection?
When you place a tree seedling in your backyard, you water it, keep it from predators, and wait and watch it grow. But what happens to that tree seedling when it gets weeds or other unwanted plants invading it? Infection that grows around your dental implant is similar to the weeds. It interrupts the growth and eventually can harm the soil- messy business.
To get more specific, a dental implant infection is a function of some level of bacteria entering the gum or bone around the implant. An untreated dental implant infection will likely cause some level of pain, swelling, and possibly the failure of your new implant that you have come to love.
Signs of Infection After Getting You Dental Implant
How can you tell if your implant is signaling a red flag? Watch for these signs of infection after you have received a dental implant:
- Swollen, red gums.
- Pain or discomfort around your implant.
- Bleeding when you brush or floss.
- Pus near the implant (gross, but true).
- Persistent bad breath (even after chewing a whole pack of mint gum).
- Implant is loose.
If you notice any of these signs of infection after a dental implant, don’t stress, don’t ignore any of these signs either.
Why do dental implants get infected?
Think of your implant as a guest in your mouth. Most guests behave courteously, but if you do not keep your mouth clean, bacteria will show up and throw a big party or act out of line, leaving a mess behind. Here are some common reasons for a dental implant infection:
- There is improper oral hygiene (skipping brushing = bacteria party)
- Smoking (tobacco is basically VIP access to bacteria)
- Current gum disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Poor post-surgical maintenance
How to prevent dental implant infection (Your Friendly Survival Guide)
Preventative maintenance is ALWAYS better than sitting in a dentist’s chair while hesitantly asking “So, uh… How bad is it, doc?”. Here are some tricks to stay ahead of bacterial invaders:
1. Toothbrush Ninja
Brush twice daily, but brush around your implant gently. You are not hard scrubbing a kitchen pot; your gums should have a spa-like feel, rather than a wrestling match.
2. Floss like a boss
Food loves to hide in small places around implants. Floss or use an interdental brush to kick those food buggers out.
3. Rinse, don’t just post with mouthwash
Antibacterial rinse is your implant’s new best friend. Swish and rinse like a champ after each meal.
4. Regular trips to the dentist
At Partha Dental, we’ve heard every excuse:
“Doc, I was busy”
“I thought my tooth fairy was going to do that”
But believe us, routine check-ups allow us to pinpoint problems before they become full-fledged crises.
5. Stop Smoking (Your implant will thank you for it)
Smoking is like offering a free-for-all buffet of bacteria. If you stop smoking, you’re not only saving your implant, but your lungs, heart, and future breath mint expenses.
6. Healthy Diet = Happy Implant
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables. They naturally scrub your teeth and strengthen your gums.
Book your FREE consultationTreating an Infected Dental Implant
Let’s say, despite your best efforts, some bacteria squeezed through.
Don’t panic; we will take care of you with a dental implant infection treatment. Depending on how bad it is, treatment may consist of:
- A professional cleaning around the implant site.
- Antibiotics to combat the infection.
- Laser treatment (yes laser dentistry is a thing and is legit as cool as it sounds).
- In extreme cases, surgical intervention.
The sooner we treat it, the easier it is, Delay it and it gets much more complicated (and expensive).
Dental Implants Care: It’s a Marathon
An implant is a lifelong commitment.
The first rule is this: treat it like a natural tooth, but with a touch of TLC.
- Brush and floss every day.
- Come see us for your regular check-up
- Don’t use your teeth as tools (opening a soda with an implant is not a great choice)
- Try not to put too much pressure on the implant chew wisely.
TLC = Tender loving care.
The point is, long-term care isn’t simply boring maintenance. It’s for the sake of your long-term smile.
People often overlook the fact that getting a dental implant entails a need for proper care, hygiene routines and follow ups with your dentist.
With proper care only you can avoid infections, smile with confidence and enjoy foods without a second thought.
At Partha Dental, we will examine and ensure your implant is happy, healthy and infection-free.
Your implant needs to be treated like royalty. Let’s not let bacteria crash the implant party. Call us now– 04041420000 to book your appointment today.
FAQs
No. An infection won’t just go away on its own believe me, it’s not a bad haircut. You’ll need to get a professional to take a look.
Infection can begin in a couple of weeks with bad hygiene, but also remember that a couple of years later, ongoing bad hygiene can result in problems too.
Not always. Sometimes the signs can be very subtle, which is another great reason to visit your dentist for check-ups.
Yes, but the risk of infection goes way up. It is like driving with a flat tire you could do it, but that is not a good idea.
There might be mild swelling or discomfort right after your appointment. If you have pain, pus, or swelling after the swelling or discomfort is gone, give us a call faster than you would call pizza on a Friday night.
Dental Questions? We’re here to help!
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.
