Health Risks Of Dental Implants

Infection At Implant Site

Infections at the dental implant site often happen when the immune system triggers the inflammation response to attack the surrounding bone and gum tissue. It can also occur when peri-implantitis causes the gum and bone surrounding the implant to become inflamed and may cause the loss of bone density in the surrounding bone. This occurs when bacteria is introduced to the surgical area. Bacteria can be introduced throughout the different stages of operation if the dentist does not observe the proper protocol for dental hygiene. It may happen if the equipment isn’t sterile or if the implant is contaminated. It may also occur if the patient has an untreated infection. Peri-implantitis often occurs years after the surgery and is more likely to happen in individuals who smoke or have diabetes, poor immune systems, thin gums, or poor dental hygiene. If patients notice their gums look red or purple, if there is pus coming out from the implant, or abnormal bleeding at the gum line, they may have peri-implantitis. The dentist will need to reopen the gums to clean the area to remove the bacteria. A bone graft might also be necessary if there is bone loss, and severe cases might need to remove the dental implant.

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