As with any medical procedure or surgery, there are very rare instances when infection occurs at the site of a dental implant. With an over 95% success rate, it is uncommon for dental implants to fail or become infected. At Lytle, Tate & Stamper, our doctors are seasoned dental implant specialists who will tailor an individualized approach to your treatment to ensure that your risk of infection is low to non-existent. They will analyze your health history and habits to identify any risk factors and prepare for all possibilities.
What Can Increase the Chance of Infection?
While our trained staff will give you all the tools necessary to stay healthy and recover fully following your dental implant surgery, aftercare is also essential to avoid infection. Bacteria can start to develop and affect the tissues surrounding your implant, making it more prone to infection. Proper maintenance after your procedure is an essential factor in whether or not you develop an infection at the dental implant site. Brushing, flossing, and following all aftercare instructions thoroughly, is a great first step towards healing.
In addition to poor oral hygiene following surgery, there are some additional elements to consider that can increase your chance of infection:
- Smoking
- A history of periodontal disease
Studies show that tobacco smoke can make your saliva more acidic, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. Furthermore, several studies have shown that smokers have an increased rate of implant loss, up to 15% more than the average non-smoking dental implant patient.
Similarly, those with a history of periodontal disease also have an increased rate of implant failure or infection. Gum disease can be difficult to eradicate, meaning it is likely to resurface and can cause complications with your implant, despite having excellent oral hygiene. If you have a history of smoking or periodontal disease, our doctors will verify that all necessary precautions are taken to ensure a successful implant.
Signs of Infection
There are some common signs of infection to look out for:
- Redness and swelling at your implant site
- Bleeding from the implant site
- Discoloration of the gums
- Fever
- A loose implant
- Throbbing in your ear
If you find that you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your doctor immediately. Regarding the healing process of a dental implant procedure, redness, and swelling in the days immediately following your operation are very common. However, if this redness and irritation persists and occurs in conjunction with any other common signs of implant infection, you will need to make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible.
All of our locations in Glendale, Pasadena, and La Cañada are fully equipped and ready to get you healthy and smiling again!
