See An Emergency Dentist For A Dental Implant Infection

You understood that dental implants have a high success rate and don't cause problems for most people -- but you weren't so lucky. The implant you recently received seems to have become infected. Should you get emergency treatment or wait until you can see your own dentist? Seeking prompt attention is your best option.

Is This an Infection?

Unfortunately, it's difficult to know whether the problem you're experiencing is actually an implant infection. An implant infection doesn't necessary cause pain. You might have symptoms such as swelling at the site, a change in gum color there, a bad taste in your mouth and unusual bleeding during brushing or flossing. 

Why Does an Infection Develop?

It can be difficult to pinpoint why the problem occurred. Various issues may lead to an implant becoming infected, including:

  • the patient not properly caring for the implant after placement
  • the patient not brushing and flossing regularly enough in the area around the implant
  • periodontal bacteria being present when the implant was placed

Can You Delay Treatment?

It's best to address the problem promptly. You definitely don't want to have the implant fail and need to have it removed. A bacterial infection can start damaging the gum around the rod and even attack the bone that supports the implant. 

Bacterial infections constitute a primary cause of implant failure, so don't take the risk of delaying treatment. 

What Is the Treatment?

A dentist can make an excision in your gum and do a thorough antibacterial cleaning of the implant and the surrounding area. He or she may inject an antibiotic solution into the gum. 

You may need to take an oral antibiotic and use an antibacterial mouthwash for a specified time. If you should improve your oral hygiene, be sure to do so immediately. Even if you have only implants in your mouth now and no natural teeth, you still must keep those implants and your gums clean. 

What Can You Do Now?

Contact an emergency dentist in your area and find out how soon you can get an appointment. Dentists that offer emergency services leave spaces open in the schedule so they can see patients the same day. Some clinics have dentists on call outside of regular business hours. Some offer urgent care walk-in services. 

After you receive treatment for the infection, follow all the dentist's instructions at home to avoid any further problems and to ensure that your dental implant is successful. For more information, contact Merchant Dental or a similar location.

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