Swelling around dental implants can be prevented. But if you’re already experiencing it, there are ways to effectively treat it.
Treating Swelling around Dental Implants
- Perform an examination – Your dentist won’t treat the swelling without an examination. Your dental implant will be checked for its location and any damage to it. If the implant is defective, your jawbone can detach from it. An infection and swelling can result. If the implant and your jawbone are no longer fused together, it’s likely that you’ll need a new implant.
- Identify the cause of infection – The cause of the infection needs to be addressed. Trapped food, periodontal disease, smoking, and certain medications can lead to infection.
- Treat the swelling – The area around the dental implant and the affected areas of your gums or bone will be cleaned and disinfected. If necessary antibiotics will be prescribed.
Preventive care
Your oral health and nutrition can affect the health of your dental implants. What can you do?
- Watch what you eat – Particularly during the healing process, avoid food that can get trapped between your gums and the implant. Nuts, shells, and popcorn can easily get stuck and cause irritation and swelling.
- Floss – Floss daily to remove food and bacteria between your teeth and the dental implants.
- Avoid smoking – It restricts blood flow and can irritate gum tissue.
- Keep your dental appointments – Your dental hygienist will keep your gums, teeth, and dental implants clean. Your dentist will examine your implants and be able to detect early signs of irritation around them.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Implant Infection
Although you might not notice swelling around a dental implant, certain signs and symptoms indicate that you need to see a dentist. Some of them include:
- Bleeding around the implant
- Pain around the implant
- Loose implants
- Difficulty chewing with the implant
If there is swelling around your dental implants, or if you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment for an exam with your dentist or oral surgeon.
This post is sponsored Dr. William Becker of Hoffman Estates. Dr. Becker received post-graduate training in periodontal surgery at Northwestern University Dental School.