What are the symptoms of dental implant infection and how is it treated?

This infection actually occurs due to the accumulation and growth of bacteria in the gum grooves around the dental implant, and if left untreated, it can have very dangerous consequences for the patient's gums and mouth. What are the symptoms of dental implant infection?

Dental implant infection is usually associated with specific symptoms, including the following: **Fever, swelling and redness:** One of the most common symptoms of implant infection is persistent swelling and redness in the implant area. Swelling and redness are normal in the first few days; But if it is continuous and accompanied by fever, it is a sign of infection. **Feeling pain:** A little pain is normal after implant placement, which can be relieved with painkillers. If the pain increases or gets worse when chewing or talking, it can be a sign of infection. **Bleeding or pus discharge:** When an infection occurs, red and white blood cells accumulate in the area. This issue causes blood and pus to come out of the implanted area. If these symptoms last for several days, you should definitely consult a dentist. **Bad taste and odor in the mouth:** Infectious bacteria can cause a bad taste in the mouth and bad breath on the other hand, which is very annoying. Implant loosening: ** Sometimes the implant that is screwed on the jawbone can loosen, which may be caused by an implant infection.

What factors cause dental implant infection?

Dental implant infection can occur for various reasons; But in general, factors related to lifestyle and health can cause this problem. These factors are as follows: ### Lifestyle factors Many habits and behaviors of a person that are related to the health of the body and mouth and teeth can be the cause of implant infection. Among them, the following can be mentioned: **Smoking:** Smoking can reduce the blood flow in the area and cause disruption in the healing process and this can lead to infection. **Poor oral and dental hygiene:** People who do not follow oral and dental hygiene by brushing and flossing create the ground for the accumulation of plaque and bacteria around the implant and tooth infection. ### Health related factors Many times, some factors related to a person's health can be the cause of implant infection, including the following: **Prior periodontal disease:** People who have had a history of gum disease are more prone to implant infection. Weak immune system: People with certain diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases and osteoporosis are more prone to implant infection. **Allergy to implant components:** If a person is allergic to the titanium metal used in the implant, this issue can cause inflammation and infection around the implant. **Teeth grinding:** Habits such as teeth grinding can cause damage to the implant and the bone around it and the possibility of infection in the area. **Irregularity of teeth:** This issue can cause many problems to clean the teeth and on the other hand, increase the accumulation of bacteria and infection between the teeth and gums.

Stages of dental implant infection

Tooth infection progresses in two stages. If the first stage of infection, which is known as "peri-implant mucositis", is not treated, the situation will worsen and the infection will become "peri-implant". ### peri-implant mucositis In this stage of infection, inflammation occurs in the soft tissue around the implant. If the bone has not been destroyed at this stage, there is a possibility of treating the condition. If peri-implant mucositis is very severe, surgery is the only treatment. Peri-implant mucositis needs treatment; Because the lack of treatment leads to the possibility of losing the implant. ### Pre-implant This stage of infection affects the soft and hard tissues around the implant and may even cause bone loss. Normally, this problem occurs after bone accumulation.

Diagnosis of dental implant infection

People are advised to see a dentist as soon as possible if they see any unusual symptoms around the implant. To diagnose an implant infection, the dentist first examines the implant well to see signs of gingivitis, bleeding or pus. X-rays may also be needed to check for bone loss. After confirming the infection of the implant, the dentist tries to find out the cause of this problem so that he can take the appropriate treatment. What is the best way to treat a dental implant infection?

There are several methods to treat implant infection that are suggested by the dentist according to the condition of the infected implant. Among these methods are the following: ### Treatment of implant infection with antibiotics If the dental implant infection is in the initial stages, it is usually controlled and treated with antibiotics. If the rate of infection is excessive, other methods should be used for treatment except antibiotics. ### Physical cleaning of teeth Physical cleaning of the teeth is also called "submucosal debridement". In this method, the mucous bags are cleaned using a "carbon fiber court" or an "ultrasonic" device, and high-frequency waves effectively remove contamination around the implant. If necessary, the dentist may also use fine scaling tools. ### Surgery and treatment of infection after implant If the dental implant is placed in the wrong place, the only treatment is surgery. In this method, the flap is opened and disinfectant and physical cleaning materials are used. This method is also called "debridement flap". ### Dental implant removal If the infection has caused the loss of a large amount of bone and rejection of the implant, the dentist has to remove the implant. This case is recommended especially when the thickness of the bone supporting the implant is less than 3 or 4 mm. After bone grafting and several months of recovery, the implant can be re-implanted. ### Home treatment of implant infection There is no home treatment to cure an implant infection, and for this reason, you should go to the dentist as soon as you see the symptoms of an implant infection.

Consequences of not treating dental implant infection