“These things are amazing!” You think when you get your first dental implant. A few months later, you start to notice that they’ve become infected and stained.

It should be no surprise that dental implants, like real teeth, need to be taken care of. In this article we share 4 things you need to know about dental implant infections. We also share some tips on how to prevent and address these infections.

Dental Implant Infections: What Are They?

Dental implants can become infected. This infection is called peri-implantitis. The first step is usually when there’s inflammation in the gums which then results in bone loss and the teeth (or tooth) becoming infected.

In our years of experience and research, it’s the assumption that dental implants will remain and don’t need proper dental care that leads to dental implant infections. That’s because some people ignore dental hygiene as they take their implant for granted.

Dental implants can become infected when:

You aren’t getting enough water. Staying hydrated is crucial to flushing out debris and other things that can be found in your mouth.

You’re having lots of sugar. Sugar is, unsurprisingly, horrible for your teeth. In order to protect the health of your teeth, you’ll need to limit your sugar consumption.

You’re avoiding the dentist. If you’re not going to the dentist for a regular checkup, then you’re at a greater risk of getting dental implant infections. Dental phobia or fear of seeing a dentist is a real thing and prevents many people from seeking the help that they need.

You’re not taking care of your teeth on a daily basis. You should be brushing your teeth and flossing a couple of times a day. with the proper care and nutrition, your teeth should be thriving and healthy. It’s when you’re neglecting taking care of them that they start to become infected.

How to Identify Dental Implant Infections

Identifying dental implant infections is very crucial before the pain becomes unbearable and the discomfort becomes hard to sit with. In the list below, we help you identify 4 things that can signal a dental implant infection.

#1. You’ve seen a doctor and they’ve found an infection.
The first step in identifying a dental implant infection is by visiting a dentist. By visiting a dentist, they can identify when your gums and teeth are inflamed. This can prevent getting an infection that spreads.

What this also means though is that you’ll need to conquer your fear of seeing a dentist. In fact, research shows that 36% of Americans have some form of dental anxiety, with 12% of people having extreme fear. So, while you’re not alone in your dislike of visiting a dentist, you’ll, nevertheless, need to see a dentist in order to prevent losing your implant.

#2. You have a unpleasant taste and odor coming from your teeth.
It’s important to add that an unpleasant taste and odor might arise from having an infected dental implant. That’s because infections can have an unpleasant odor that never seems to go away even when you brush your teeth and floss.

#3. You have bleeding gums or are secreting pus from your gums.
If you brush your teeth and they start to bleed, you might take that as “normal.” But when you start to secret pus, that may be more alarming. This is what tends to happen with an infected dental implant: there tends to be secretions of blood and pus.

#4. You have loosening teeth.
Bone loss caused by the inflammation of the teeth (or tooth) can lead to loosening teeth. Since you invested so much time and money into the implant, it’s very important to seek help before your teeth loosen up.

A loosening tooth will often move and wiggle with a slight touch, which makes it more likely that you’ll lose that tooth.

What To Do If You Suspect That You Might Have A Dental Implant Infection

If you suspect that you have an infected dental implant infection, it’s very important to seek the help of a dentist. The infection will not get any better by waiting and seeing if it will go away. Instead, you’ll need to see a dentist as soon as you suspect an infection. Keep in mind that with regular visits to the dentist, you can prevent having a dental implant infection since the dentist would identify the infection before it fully develops.

At Hendersonville Family Dental, we can provide you with the dental care that you need. Our dental office recognizes the importance of a well-trained dental team and staff. That’s why our dentists are knowledgeable, empathetic, and great with our patients.

Remember, getting the help you need is just a call away. Set up an appointment with us today so that you have beautiful and healthy teeth.