Methods to prevent implant infection

With a success rate of around 98% in non-smokers, one of the best things about dental implants is their low risk of failure. Unfortunately, no medical treatment is without risks and complications. While dental implant infections are relatively rare, they can lead to implant failure and damage to the surrounding jawbone. However, with a few preventative measures and proper care and maintenance, you can greatly reduce your risk of infection. Read this article to learn about the symptoms of implant infection; what to look out for, ways to prevent implant infection, how to treat an infection, and more.

Dental implants are the most reliable tooth replacement treatment because they can last for decades. The long-term durability of dental implants relies on the titanium material that fuses with your jawbone. Through a process called osseointegration, the post fuses with your bone, allowing it to last a lifetime with proper aftercare. Although rare, dental implants can fail. Most often, the result is an infection. Preventing dental implant infections in Cambridge is easy with 5 simple tips.

What are the symptoms of an implant infection?

Implant placement involves a minor surgery in the office. With any surgery, no matter how minor, there is always a risk of infection. Here are some common symptoms to be aware of:

Inflammation (e.g., red, tender, swollen, or bleeding gums)

Moderate to severe pain or discomfort when chewing

A loose implant

Gum receding around the implant

How is an infection treated?

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, or if something is not right with your dental implants, let your dentist know right away. The sooner problems are found and treated, the better.

Treatment may include any combination of the following: a strong antibacterial mouthwash, antibiotics, surgery, a special type of professional cleaning, or laser therapy. After evaluating the infection, your dentist will develop the best treatment plan to minimize the risk of implant failure.

How to prevent infection?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take right from the start to reduce your risk of infection:

The risks of dental implants are low and the benefits are high. With these simple guidelines, you can give them a better chance of success right from the start.

The risk of dental implant failure is less than 5 percent, and it’s often the result of a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. It happens when bacteria from food particles and plaque infect the tissue around the post. Fortunately, there are a few easy tips you can use to keep your mouth infection-free.

Rinse your mouth often.

You can’t always reach for your toothbrush to remove any remaining bacteria in your mouth. You can help neutralize it and remove trapped food particles by rinsing frequently with water. This will also keep your mouth moist to help prevent bacterial growth.

After the first two days after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day. This is a safe, gentle, and effective way to kill bacteria and promote healing.

Maintain good oral hygiene.

Your first line of defense against infections that can harm your dental implants in Cambridge starts at home. It’s best to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every night before bed. Be extra careful when cleaning abutments and implants to remove any trapped biofilm. Some people find it easier to use a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas.

It’s important to keep the area clean by brushing and flossing but do so gently and carefully.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Although your dental implants are not susceptible to tooth decay, you should still visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. This allows your implant dentist in Cambridge to monitor your oral health so that you can intervene quickly at the first sign of infection, such as swelling or redness of the gum tissue.

Then, for long-term maintenance, be sure to go for regular checkups and be good at brushing and flossing. A little prevention goes a long way with implants (and your overall oral health).

Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

What should you eat after implants? Sugar not only causes tooth decay, it also promotes bacterial growth. It’s best to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, but if you can’t resist the temptation, rinse your mouth with water until you reach for your toothbrush.

Minimize or avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first two weeks after surgery. Instead, stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, bananas, smoothies, cottage cheese,

Don’t smoke or use tobacco.

Smoking increases the risk of implant failure because it hinders your body’s ability to heal and fight infections. While it’s best to quit completely, if you can’t kick the habit, wait at least 2 months after your implant surgery before starting to smoke again.

Protect your investment

Your new smile can last for decades with proper care. Even with the best prevention, problems can happen. Don’t wait to see your dentist in Windsor; call them at the first sign of a problem to help preserve your smile.