“It’s starting to stink” You think to yourself. “What should I do?”
Dental implants are just like real teeth, which means that like real teeth, they can get infected. In a previous article, we talked about how to prevent infections and deterioration. This included things like brushing twice a day, flossing your teeth, and avoiding harsh chemicals.
In this article, we give you 5 signs of dental implant infections to look out for. We’ll also give you some tips on what to do should you notice an infection. Your teeth deserve all the prevention and care that they can get, so keep reading!
A Bit About Dental Implant Infections
Many people are surprised when they find out that dental implants can become infected. In fact, researchers have found that this lack of awareness can be a barrier to having healthy teeth. So, rather than assuming that your implant is here to stay and is healthy, this article will help understand some basic prevention tips, six signs to look out for, and what to do if you have an infection.
Dental implant infection called peri-implantitis is when the tissue surrounding the implant becomes inflamed and resulting bone loss. This then results in an implant becoming infected.
Dental implant infections can happen as a result of:
- Poor dental hygiene including lack of brushing your teeth and flossing.
- Eating food that are detrimental to your teeth such as foods that contain a lot of sugar and that stick to your teeth.
- Not going to a dentist on a regular basis. You need to see a doctor before the infection gets worse.
- Not getting enough water. Read this for how staying hydrated can help your teeth stay healthy.
5 Signs of A Dental Implant Infections
There are many signs to look out for in identifying peri-implantitis. Below, we give you five to look out for.
#1. An x-ray of your teeth shows an infection
While this first sign might seem obvious and self-explanatory, it’s always surprising to us at Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants how many people avoid visiting the dentist, even when it’s obvious that they need to. Dental phobia, or being afraid of seeing a dentist and getting help often prevents people from having great and healthy teeth.
As was mentioned before, seeing a dentist regularly would help a dentist find inflammation of your teeth before and while it’s infected. Waiting until you can sense the infection prevents you from getting help before the infection fully develops.
So, waiting for a tooth to hurt or deteriorate can cost you more than seeing a dentist on a regular basis.
#2. Odd odor and taste stemming from your infected implant
Oftentimes, a strong indication for the general public on an infected tooth is an odd (read “bad”) odor stemming from their tooth. Because the infection spreads and become prominent in your mouth, the odor is often noticeable.
Sometimes, it’s not only odor but also a change in the taste coming from the infected tooth. Like the odor, it makes it difficult to ignore.
#3. Difficulty with eating, especially chewing
As the tooth becomes very infected, it can make it difficult to eat, especially chewing food. That’s due to the inflammation of the tooth and the co-occurring pain and sensitivity. This is also due to the bone loss caused by the infection.
Oftentimes, the combination of the odor, taste, and difficulty chewing will lead a patient to finally visiting a dentist.
#4. Discharging pus from your gums or bleeding gums
Like some infections, an infected dental implant can start to secrete pus from your gums. Your gums can also start to bleed.
The pus and bleeding are indicators of poor dental hygiene and lack of regular care.
#5. Loosening Dental Implant
As the inflammation causes bone loss and many other issues, your dental implant may become looser. When it loosens, you’re at greater loss of losing your tooth.
What to Do Now That You Can Recognize a Sign of Dental Implant Infection
Now that you’re aware of the signs of dental implant infections, here are some things that you can do to help.
- Focus on Prevention By Having Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth like you’re supposed to! Take care of your teeth before they require it.
- Take Care of Your Health: Make sure that you’re eating the right food and hydrating.
- Visit a Dentist! At Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants, we strongly believe that the best way to prevent and address dental issues by visiting a dentist so that you can get the help that you need.
Feel Safe and Avoid Dental Anxiety: How Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants Can Help
If you’ve been avoiding seeing a dentist but know that you need one, try Bismarck Dental and Implants. At our dental office, we’ll help you learn about the prevention, maintenance, and care of your teeth.
Reach out to us today!