Dental Implant Infection: What You Should Know

Dental implant surgery usually has success rates in excess of 95%, especially when carried out by expert dentists such as a periodontist upper east side. However all types of surgery do have a small amount of risk, and one of the long-term risks associated with dental implants is a condition called peri-implantitis.

 

What is Peri-Implantitis?

Dental implant infection or peri-implantitis is a condition that is very similar to gum disease. It infects and inflames the gum and bone tissue surrounding a dental implant that has already fully integrated with the jawbone. Dental implant infection can result in the loss of bone around the dental implant which has a destabilizing effect. This condition can occur without the patient being aware of it actually happening and it may develop soon after the dental implant has been restored with a crown or many years after the implant was placed. This condition is tricky to treat, but the good news is that most people who have dental implants will never develop dental implants infection.

What Can Cause Dental Implant Infection?

Peri-implantitis can be caused by a number of different factors. Smoking is a major risk factor for dental implant infection as it causes the blood vessels in the gums to constrict making it more difficult for the body to send essential nutrients to the gums to help them heal and fight off infection, and to carry away toxins and other waste products. Medical problems such as osteoporosis, diabetes or having a compromised immune system can increase the risk of this condition, and you will also more at risk if you had gum disease in the past.

 

What Are the Signs of Dental Implant Infection?

Signs of dental implant infection include noticing gum pockets around the dental implants begin to deepen and there may be pus or bleeding around the gum line. The gum might look red or swollen and it’s more likely that tartar or plaque will have built up around the tooth. If the disease is particularly advanced then the bone loss might mean you can see the metal thread of the dental implant post. Otherwise dental x-rays will show the loss of bone around the implant.

 

Ask Your Periodontist Upper East Side About

If you suspect you might have this condition then it’s best to consult an expert as soon as possible such as Dr. Navid Rahmani at the Manhattan Periodontics & Implant Surgery. Dr. Rahmani is a periodontist which means he specializes in treating problems with the gums and tissues surrounding your teeth. He will quickly be able to diagnose the issue and is the best person to try to correct it. Sometimes this may be due to the implant being placed incorrectly or to a poorly designed dental implant. It can also be caused by gum disease spreading from adjacent teeth or even simply by a poorly designed implant crown.

In: Dental Implants | Periodontal Disease | Periodontal Gum Surgery

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