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How to Prevent Dental Implant Infections

May 27, 2014

At Indianapolis Dentistry, dental implants have helped many of our patients restore health, beauty, and function to their mouths after the loss of one or more of their natural teeth. But like most oral surgeries, dental implant procedures also come with risks.

Dental Implant Risks

One of the most common risks associated with dental implants is post-procedural infection. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest risks to avoid, assuming that patients follow the instructions provided on how to prevent dental implant infections. The risk of infection is also minimized when patients entrust their oral health to Dr. Reese, as experience can make all the difference in the success of dental implants

What are the Signs of Dental Implant Infections?

While dental implants are not prone to decay like natural teeth, they are still prone to bacteria build-up on the base of the implant, below the gum line. Over time, these bacteria irritate the gum tissue, causing inflammation. If not caught early, the result can be damage to the tissue and the bone structure below (peri-implant disease). Signs of peri-implant disease are similar to gum disease. This includes bleeding gums, receding gums, and red or tender gums around the implant.

How to Prevent Dental Implant Infections

Here are some ways on how to prevent dental implant infections:

Trust only an experienced dentist

This is the most important tip we can give. Most dental implant infections occur due to the introduction of bacteria into the mouth during or immediately after implant surgery. Be sure that your implants are being placed in a safe, hygienic, accredited surgical facility by a skilled dentist like Dr. Reese. Make sure that your dentist is using dental implants of only the finest quality.

Dr. Reese has placed over 1,000 dental implants in his entire career. He uses biocompatible materials and everything is done in Indianapolis Dentistry Clinic – an actual oral surgery center!

Follow post-operative instructions

  • Pre-emptive prescription of antibiotics for some days prior to surgery can help reduce the risk of implant infection. After surgery, most implant dentists will prescribe antibiotics and recommend the use of an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Daily cleaning of all the surfaces above and below the gumline is critical to preventing peri-implant disease.

Learn more about possible risks

To prevent dental implant infections, one should know about certain additional risk  factors that can contribute to peri-implant disease and infection. These include previous gum disease, smoking, and diabetes.

Monitor your gum health, make sure that your diabetes is controlled and perhaps  most importantly, if you are a smoker, quit. In fact, quitting smoking - permanently - is the best thing you can do to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants. Smoking is a leading cause of infections in the mouth and can lead not only to the  failure of your implants, but also the loss of your remaining natural teeth.

Learn How to Prevent Dental Implant Infections

Dr. Reese has been doing dental implant procedures for years. You can browse his work on dental implants in this gallery. He assures you of his continuing care long after he has done implantation. If you want learn more about dental implants and how you can avoid post-operative dental implant infection, you can contact his office or call 317-882-0228 to schedule an appointment.

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