If you decide to have a dental implant placed to replace a missing tooth, then you will need to pay close attention to the device. This is especially true when the implant is first inserted. However, you need to inspect the implant closely even once the device fully heals. You specifically want to look out for an infected implant. Keep learning to find out about the signs of an infection and to understand what your dentist will do about the problem.

What Are The Signs Of An Infected Implant?

When the tissues around your implant are infected, then you have something called peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is a form of gum disease, but it is a serious issue that can result in the loss of your implant device. Specifically, the problem is most often associated with bone loss around the implant root. The bacterial activity near the root device and the swelling of the soft tissues are the things that cause the bone loss issue. 

If you develop peri-implantitis, then you may notice that your implant root is loose. The gums will look swollen and red, and you will feel pain and soreness when the tissues are touched. Pain may throb in the area or you may develop an aching sensation. Blood may come from the gums and you may also find it difficult to place pressure on the implant. Low-grade fevers are common when the infection develops as well and you may see some pus releasing form the gum tissues.

If you have an infection that is just starting, then you may not see all of the serious and widespread symptoms. This means that there may not be a bone loss issue just yet. It is wise to seek out treatment at this point so the implant can be saved.

How Is Peri-implantitis Treated?

Peri-implantitis can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the severity of the problem. If the infection is just starting, then there is a good chance that it has not yet spread underneath the gum tissues. If this is true, then your dentist can likely prescribe oral antibiotics and give you a prescription rinse. The prescription rinse likely needs to be used for several weeks until the infection subsides. 

If the infection is noted with deep pockets around the implants or with gum tissues that have started to pull away from the implant root, then your dentist may decide to complete a laser therapy treatment. This helps to remove the plaque and bacteria from underneath the gum tissues so they are able to tighten and close up gum pockets.

In some cases, the implant will need to be removed. However, this only happens in extreme cases where infections are severe. For more information, contact companies like Alliance Family Dental.