Dental implants are treatments with a very high success rate. However, some complications may arise after treatment. Infection around a dental implant is one such complication. This infection is largely resolved without the need for surgery.
If an infection has developed around your dental implant, do not worry. Your dental implant is most likely safe. Most infections heal with cleaning and antibiotics. If you suspect an infection, do not delay making an appointment with your dentist. Early intervention plays a critical role in preventing bone loss or implant loosening. Don't attempt to treat it at home.
1. Initial intervention steps
When a patient presents with pain, swelling, or discharge around an implant, the first step is to assess the severity of the infection. The following symptoms are considered in the assessment: redness, swelling, or bleeding around the gums; pus discharge; bad taste or odour in the mouth; sensitivity or pain when chewing; and fever or swollen lymph nodes in advanced cases. Following the examination, an X-ray or 3D tomography scan is taken to check for bone loss. The earlier the intervention, the easier it is for the implant to recover from the negative effects of the infection.
Starting antibiotic treatment
If there are signs of infection, the dentist will start antibiotic treatment. However, antibiotic treatment alone is not sufficient. For this reason, the treatment is combined with cleaning procedures.
Pain and swelling control
Controlling pain and swelling improves the patient's comfort. There are some methods patients can use at home to reduce these symptoms. Applying cold compresses, taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (as recommended by the dentist), and gargling with salt water help control pain and swelling. Alcohol should not be used in the hope that it will relieve toothache, as it delays the healing of the infection.
2. Non-surgical treatments
In cases where bone loss is minimal and infection is at an early stage, non-surgical treatments are sufficient.
Mechanical debridement
Mechanical debridement is the mechanical removal of plaque, tartar, and biofilm from implant surface and surrounding tissues. Manual instruments, ultrasonic devices, and air abrasion systems (air polishing) are effective methods used to clean biofilm and dental calculus.
Antiseptic treatment
After cleaning the surface of the tissues, chlorhexidine is applied to the area. This eliminates bacteria around the implant and promotes faster tissue healing.
Topical oxygen treatment (Hydro-carbon-oxo-borate complex HCOBc)
These oxygen-based topical solutions (HCOBc), used as an alternative to chlorhexidine, are becoming increasingly common. This treatment makes it difficult for bacteria to survive by increasing the amount of oxygen in the tissue. It also accelerates tissue regeneration, increases blood circulation, and supports gum health. For this reason, it is a good alternative.
3. Surgical treatments
If non-surgical treatments prove insufficient or bone loss has progressed, surgical methods are employed.
Flap surgery
Flap surgery is used in cases where the infection is very advanced and cleaning is difficult. In this method, the dentist lifts the gum tissue, and the infected area is cleaned directly. It removes bacterial accumulation and inflamed tissue from deep layers. After the procedure is completed, the gum is repositioned and stitched.
Bone grafting
If bone loss has occurred due to infection around the implant, bone grafting should be performed. Once the bone loss has been adequately addressed, a suitable foundation for the implant is created.
Implant removal
If there is insufficient bone to support the implant, it must be removed. After implant removal, the area is completely cleaned and disinfected. If necessary, a bone graft can be applied during the same session. Full healing must be awaited before placing a new implant.
4. Supportive care procedures
Professional maintenance and follow-up protocols
Following treatment, patients must visit their dentist for check-ups every six months. During these check-ups, implants are cleaned if necessary, gum pockets are measured, and bone levels are monitored. Regular check-ups enable infections to be detected at an early stage.
Daily oral hygiene procedures
Patients must take care with their daily oral hygiene routine. A three-step cleaning process (brushing, flossing, and rinsing) should be carried out regularly. Failure to clean regularly increases the risk of infection.
Management of failure risk factors
Limiting bad habits, controlling autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, and taking precautions against teeth grinding problems will help you manage your risk factors.
Infection in dental implants is a rare occurrence. Treatment is usually straightforward. Ignoring the signs of infection or attempting to treat it at home leads to a loss of time. Therefore, patients should contact their dentist as soon as possible when they notice any symptoms. This way, the problem can be easily resolved. For this reason, patients need not worry. If they follow their dentist's instructions, the recovery and treatment process will be quick.