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The causes and causes of dental implant infection and its treatment methods

• Mehr 21, 1404
• 2:19 p.m
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Dental implant infection is usually caused by the accumulation of bacteria around the implant, which causes inflammation, swelling, bleeding and even damage to the jaw bone. This infection can appear in the form of mucositis (surface inflammation of the gums) or peri-implantitis (deeper inflammation with bone loss) and lead to the loss of the implant if not treated.

Effective factors include lack of oral hygiene, smoking, underlying diseases, weak immune system and improper implant placement. Treatments include antibiotics, cleaning up the infection, surgery, and in severe cases, removal of the implant. Prevention is possible by following strict hygiene, avoiding smoking, visiting the dentist regularly and taking special care of the gums. Important symptoms of infection include pain, swelling, bleeding, and loosening of the implant, which requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

What is an implant infection

After the dental implant is implanted, there is a possibility of infection, which of course occurs due to various reasons, any of which can be caused by the person himself or lack of dentist skills. Implant infection is caused by the creation of bacteria and their accumulation, which after a period of time, these bacteria turn into infection, causing swelling, bleeding, inflammation, redness and pus around the implanted tooth and jaw bone. In the worst case, if the infection has spread and progressed, the implant must be removed or replaced.

Types of implant infection

Basically, we have two models of implant infection, each of which is created based on specific cases, which we explain in detail below

Peri-implant mucositis

This type of infection may occur after the installation of the implant, and the symptoms usually include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums when brushing. Mucositis is somewhat normal, and it can be treated and prevented with full compliance with oral and dental hygiene.

Pre-implantitis

This infection model is more advanced than mucositis and can damage the jawbone and surrounding tissues and even the adjacent teeth in addition to damaging the gums around the implant. If the peri-implant is not treated, this infection will cause the implant to loosen and eventually lose it.

What are the signs and symptoms of implant infection

• Long-term and severe pain (more than three weeks)
• Implant loosening or feeling its movement
• Swelling and redness of the gums around the implant
• Bad breath and unpleasant taste
• Output of pus or discharge from the implant area
• Fever and feeling of general fatigue
• Frequent bleeding around the implant
Difficulty chewing and throbbing pain
• Sensitivity or vague pain when touching the implant cover
• fracture of the tooth base or loosening of the implant

Causes and causes of dental implant infection

Implant infection does not occur by itself and usually occurs for various reasons, the most important of which are the following.

Non-observance of oral and dental hygiene

Normal teeth need care, but implants require more care. If oral and dental hygiene is not observed, it can cause the accumulation of germs and bacteria near and around the implanted tooth and eventually turn into an implant infection and cause side effects.

Smoking and using tobacco

Nicotine in cigarettes reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues around the implant, which slows down the healing process and weakens the immune system. Also, smoking dries out the mouth and intensifies the growth of bacteria and ultimately increases the chance of implant infection.

Underlying diseases

Diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes disrupt the body's defense function and increase the risk of implant infection. These diseases slow down the process of wound healing and implant acceptance and weaken the immune system.

weakness of the immune system

A weak immune system does not have the ability to fight bacteria and control implant infection, so the possibility of infection in the implant area increases and it progresses easily.

Improper implant placement

If the implant is not planted correctly and in the right position, there is no proper space for cleaning and plaque accumulation occurs. Also, inefficient and unnatural pressures may damage the bone and surrounding tissues and make room for infection.

Dentist's use of non-sterile materials or tools

It is important that the equipment used by the dentist is completely sterile, and failure to comply with this issue can cause the transfer of bacteria and their entry into the deep tissues around the implant and cause implant infection.

Failure to properly complete the implant treatment process

The process of implant treatment requires careful care and completion of all steps. If some procedures such as bone grafting or connecting parts are not done correctly, the tissues will suffer from weakness and inflammation, which is a good place for implant infection to grow.

Weakness or poor quality of the jaw bone

If the jaw bone does not have enough strength and density, the implant will not be fixed in it well, and the weak connection of the implant base to the jaw bone will cause inflammation and infection of the implant. Weak bone cannot provide the necessary support for the implant.

Diagnosis of implant infection

Diagnosis of infection usually requires a detailed examination by a dentist, and the person alone cannot definitely diagnose it. The dentist can accurately diagnose the infection and its severity by performing a clinical examination of the gums and around the implant, as well as taking radiological pictures to check the bone condition. Since some infections may be painless, it is very important to see a dentist regularly for checkups and early diagnosis, and if you see any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should see a doctor immediately.

Methods to treat implant infection

There are various methods and ways to treat an infected implanted tooth, and below we will mention the best methods to treat this infection in full and explain each one.

Treatment of implant infection with antibiotic or implant infection drug

Various antibiotics are usually used to treat infection and pus and eliminate bacteria and germs. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, metronidazole, clindamycin, and azithromycin can also be used to treat this type of infection. Of course, these drugs are for the initial and mild stages of infection and must be prescribed by a dentist and should not be used arbitrarily.

Treatment of implant infection by cleaning it

In this method, which is also called mechanical cleaning of the implant or debridement, the dentist cleans all the plaques, masses and infected tissues around the implant to eliminate the infection and prevent the spread of the infection. In some cases, this method is accompanied by the use of antibiotics.

Treatment of implant infection with surgery

Surgery is usually used when the infection has spread and caused infection or dental abscesses and cysts. In this case, the dentist must use special tools to destroy the created infections such as cysts and rebuild all the damaged tissues.

Treatment of implant infection by removing or replacing the implant itself

In the case that the previous methods did not succeed in eliminating and removing the infection, the dentist must remove the implant completely and find and treat the source of the infection, and then re-implant the new implant again.

Treatment of implant infection with bone grafting

When the infection causes the loss and degeneration of the jaw bone around the implant, a bone graft should be performed to restore the jaw bone to its previous position so that the implant can be re-implanted.

Treatment of implant infection with laser therapy

Using laser therapy or focused rays, some parts of the infection or bacteria and germs can be destroyed and the infection can be treated. Of course, usually this method complements other methods.

home treatment of implant infection

These items are among the methods with which the infection can be treated at home to some extent; But keep in mind that they must be done under the supervision of a dentist and if the infection is severe, it must be treated with medical methods. Salt water mouthwash: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth several times a day to reduce inflammation and bacteria. Antibacterial mouthwash: Use special mouthwashes for implants or chlorhexidine according to the dentist's instructions for more effective cleaning. Turmeric: mix turmeric with water in the form of a paste and place it on the infected area for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce inflammation.

Effects of implant infection

• Dental implant failure and the need to remove it
• Bone analysis and gingivitis around the implant
• Continuous pain, swelling and inflammation in the implant area
• Frequent bleeding or discharge of pus from around the implant
• Bad breath and mouth Unpleasant taste caused by infection
• Looseness or loosening of the implant due to damage to the supporting bone
• Difficulty and pain when chewing food
• Spreading the infection to other areas of the body and causing more serious infections
• Damage to the sinuses by spreading the infection to the sinus area
• Infection entering the bloodstream that may lead to systemic and dangerous infections
• Allergic reaction to the type of implant (rare)
• Disturbance in the process of recovery and wound healing after surgery

Methods to prevent and prevent implant infection

In order to prevent the possibility of implant infection, it is enough to keep several important points in mind and observe them, the most important of which can be mentioned below

Maintain oral and dental hygiene

In order to prevent bacteria and debris from causing implant infection, you should brush your teeth carefully and gently at least 2 times a day, be sure to use dental floss to clean your teeth once a day before going to bed, and be sure to use special mouthwashes to clean your entire mouth.

Avoid smoking. and types of tobacco

if you don't smoke and don't use other different types of tobacco, blood flow in the form of Normal can reach your teeth and improve the implant treatment process. The lower the blood flow and the more disturbed it is, the higher the possibility of implant infection and bacterial growth.

Regular visits to the dentist

Caring for the gums and bones around the implant

Try to be more careful when brushing and cleaning around the implanted tooth so that bacteria and debris do not accumulate around it, which will eventually cause infection. The healthier and cleaner the tissue next to the implanted tooth, the less chance of implant infection.

Not performing heavy and intense activities

It is better not to do heavy and intense activities in the first months when the implant has just been implanted. This causes a lot of pressure on the tissues around the implanted tooth and can cause tearing of the tissue around it or breakage and damage of the implant components, which eventually leads to the accumulation of bacteria and their entry into the implant and jawbone, the infection spreads and destroys it.

Adequate rest and stress management

If you don't have enough sleep and there is always stress and anxiety in your body, it can cause the immune system to weaken, and ultimately this weak immune system is not able to fight against the smallest infection and bacteria and can cause implant infection and damage to the jaw bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to keep an infected implant?

The possibility of keeping an infected implant depends on the severity of the infection; It may be maintained in the early stages with proper treatment; But in case of severe infection, the implant needs to be removed.

Does implant infection happen a few years after implantation?

Yes, infection can occur years after implantation due to poor hygiene, gum disease or inappropriate pressure.

What happens if the implant infection is not treated?

If left untreated, the infection can cause implant loss, bone loss, and severe damage to surrounding tissues.

Are antibiotics effective for treating implant infection?

Antibiotics are effective in controlling and treating infection, but they are not enough alone and should be accompanied by cleaning and local treatment.

What is the best antibiotic for implant infection?

The best antibiotic for the infection is usually amoxicillin or clindamycin, as determined by the dentist.

What should be done to prevent implant infection?

In order to prevent infection, you should observe oral hygiene, do not smoke, visit the dentist regularly, and do not put abnormal pressure on the implant.

Why do gum infections happen after implants?

Gum infection after implant often occurs due to the accumulation of bacteria around the gums due to poor hygiene or the body's inflammatory reaction.

How do we know if the implant is infected?

Symptoms of infection include pain, swelling, redness, bleeding gums, bad breath, and loosening of the implant.

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