4 Signs of an Infected Dental Implant

All Smiles • February 22, 2018

Receiving dental implants is one of the safest and most common forms of oral surgery performed today. This procedure is entirely safe with very few potential complications. In rare cases, patients may experience an infected dental implant. Recognizing the symptoms of dental implant infection early on helps to prevent it from spreading and minimizes your pain.

What are the symptoms of dental implant infection?

Red or Swollen Gums

One of the first hints that you may have an infection in a dental implant is the presence of red or swollen gums. The presence of either, or both, could mean that you are dealing with some type of infection. Examining your teeth and gums often can help you identify these implant infection symptoms early.

Difficulty Chewing

Once you adjust to your implants, you should experience no difficulty chewing foods as you normally would. The type of difficulty you experience typically indicates the progression of the infection. Minor discomfort likely means the infection is in its early stages. Do not wait for things to get worse; contact your dentist as soon as possible if the discomfort is occurring at the location of your implants.

Pain at Implantation Site and/or Fever

Almost all bacterial infections come with some level of pain. Pain caused by oral health infections typically starts out small but steady, eventually becoming agonizing. As with other symptoms discussed, do not wait for this one to get worse. Pain progression also indicates that the infection is spreading and getting stronger. As a result, it becomes harder to treat and takes longer to get rid of.

Loose Implants

Wobbly or loose implants do not always mean that you have an infection. Implants might get loose for other reasons, but it is still important to book an appointment with a dentist as soon as you notice the wobbly tooth. Loose or dislodged implants put you at a higher risk for infection because the loose tooth could create enough room for food and bacteria to get inside the gums, where it is very difficult to clean.

We know that dealing with implant issues is inconvenient and worrisome, so if you notice any of these signs or have other questions or concerns about your dental implants, contact a Lake Jackson, TX dentist at All Smiles Dentistry today.

Featured Image: Getty Images / Damir Khabirov

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