More and more people are turning to dental implants to restore their smile. Not only do they provide a durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance option for tooth replacement, but their natural look and feel will keep others from asking, “Did you have work done?” To ensure they stay healthy and in good condition, it’s important to take proper care of them. Otherwise, poor oral habits can significantly decrease the life of your implant or cause it to fail altogether. Let us help you prevent infection in your dental implants in Tysons and keep your smile lasting longer and brighter.
Implant Infection
When opting to have dental implants placed, you will more than likely experience a positive treatment because of their high success rate. However, according to a study by the University of Gothenburg, 50% of patients who receive dental implants exhibited signs of peri-implantitis, which is a form of gum disease that results in bone loss and ultimately, implant failure.
Although implants cannot decay because of the different material it is made from, the gums surrounding the implant can affect its stability and longevity. An infection can occur as a result of bacteria building in the mouth after surgery. It can even happen several years after treatment.
To determine if you might have an infection from your dental implant, here are a few signs to watch for:
- Severe swelling
- Fever that continues or worsens after the first day with your new implants
- Bleeding that will not stop after the first 24 hours after surgery
- Extreme, throbbing pain that medication doesn’t relieve
If an infection is left untreated, you will more than likely need additional treatment to care for the problem. Some ways infection can cause additional damage if not treated include:
- Jawbone removal: If the infection persists in the bone, you could have a weakened jaw or a portion of it removed.
- Missing teeth: If bacteria builds and you must have a dental implant replaced, you could also be looking at having additional teeth removed due to a weakened bone structure.
- Sinus infection: Should the bacteria reach the soft tissues and sinus area, it could lead to a painful sinus infection.
- Septicemia: This is a life-threatening situation. If the infection ruptures and spills into the blood, it can spread throughout your body.
Tips to Prevent Infection
If the damage mentioned above makes you want to grab your toothbrush and begin brushing like a madman, we understand. Infections of all kinds, no matter if they’re from dental implants in Tysons or general tooth decay, are unpleasant and can cause serious harm to your body. This is why it’s important to really listen to your dental professional when they tell you how to prevent infection and take care of your oral health.
To minimize your chances of future infection, here are some tips to consider:
- If your dentist prescribes medication for your aftercare treatment, make sure to take it as instructed.
- Brush, floss, and rinse regularly. Practicing good oral habits will keep bacteria and infection away.
- Use salt water or a prescribed mouth rinse to eliminate bacteria or food particles in the mouth.
- Avoid hard, chewy, crunchy foods while recovering from surgery, and instead, opt for softer foods.
- Avoid using tobacco, as it can cause your implant to fail.
- If you have diabetes or any other health-related condition, make sure you are managing it according to your general practitioner’s instructions.
Don’t let the idea of getting an infection scare or keep you from getting dental implants. Yes, there is a chance for infection, but that is the case with any type of surgery. Just remember to follow your dentist’s instructions and keep good oral hygiene habits, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your new and improved smile.
About the Practice
At Dent-Plant Dental Implant Center, we know the importance of maintaining a beautiful smile. Our skilled and experienced team of dental specialists want to ensure your implants give you not only a smile you can be proud of but one that is fully restored and healthy for years to come. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (571) 352-9006.