Can An Infected Dental Implant Be Saved
Mild dental implant infections, as in peri-mucositis, can be saved if taken care of and maintained properly.
Peri-implantitis with very little amount of surface area involved can also be saved successfully with the proper treatment plan.
Infection associated with little amount of bone loss can be saved with bone graft but the outcome is questionable. It may work for few patients successfully and few may complain of loosened implant over a period of time.
Severe infection with mobile implants showing greater amount of bone loss should be removed and the replacement of the implant is done only after the tissues have healed completely.
Single implants used to replace single missing tooth shows greater chances of survival with better treatment outcomes.
When the patient has multiple implants supporting bridges or full mouthimplant supported dentures, the chance of a successful treatment is smaller. This is because the stresses and load acting on the implants are greatly increased in this case.
It is important to know that deeper the infection is and greater the stresses on the implant are, the smaller the chances are to save the implant.
Treatment Modalities For A Compromised Maxillary Sinus Containing Displaced Dental Implants
As aforementioned, the basic principle is immediate removal of the displaced implant. However, when removal is delayed, the sinus infection should be controlled at the patients first visit. To prevent mucosal thickening and maxillary sinusitis, amoxicillin with clavulanate and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs need to be prescribed with pseudopehpedrine hydrochloride for 1 week before surgery .
In the most of the reported studies mentioned above, removal of the displaced implant, sinus bone grafting, and new implant placement were divided into two or three individual procedures. Delayed implant placement is usually indicated when primary stability cannot be obtained or when extensive perforation of the sinus membrane or severe sinus infection is present . However, these divided procedures delay rehabilitation of the edentulous area.
Sinus Lifts And Dental Implants: Treatment Procedure And Benefits
Everyone has sinus cavities in their head. In most cases, the sinuses help us to breath clearly and speak, however, some may suffer from blocked sinuses or struggle with commonly-occurring infections such as sinusitis.
If you have lost a tooth in your upper jaw, then you may be considering a dental implant. You may not have enough bone in your upper jaw to support an implant.
If so, there is a risk that your implant will stick up into your sinus which will cause pain and infection.
Here at Dorset Dental Implants, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest-quality care and dental treatment.
We are always committed to improving our methods by using the latest technology to ensure that patients leave our clinic smiling.
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What Is A Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is a kind of bone graft, which creates space in the upper jaw to allow for the placement of an implant.
The sinus has to be lifted in order for the implant to be placed.
If you do not have enough bone in your upper jaw, your dentist will not be able to begin your implant treatment until you have sufficient space and bone.
What Is A Dental Implant Infection
Dental implant infection is a condition in which the region around the implant gets inflamed. This inflammation is usually caused by the periodontal pathogens.
Serious infections can lead to bone loss and implant failure, less serious conditions can usually be cured with antibiotics.
The two most important things you can do to prevent the infection of your implant is to excercise proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.
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What Is Implant Infection
Dental implant infection is a kind of gum disease called peri-implantitis. It is similar to gingivitis.
Beginning with serious inflammation in the soft tissues around your dental implant, it can cause bone loss if left untreated.
According to the Journal of Periodontology, if you have chronic gum infection and poor plaque control skills, you may experience implant infection.
Do All Dental Implants Cause Sinus Problems
The answer is a clear NO. Getting sinus problems due to dental implants is a very rare problem. As a matter of fact, they are caused only in a tiny minuscule of cases. It is possible to get sinus problems or sinus infections only because the dental implants impinge into the sinus cavity. This can only happen if there is an error in the placement of the dental implant. In modern implantology, all these errors are eliminated because of the precision with which the dental implants are surgically placed.
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Are My Dental Implants Related To My Sinus Problems
August 17, 2021 by drscottcoleman
I have never had any sinus problems, my entire life, until I had my dental implants. It has been almost six months now since the implants were placed in my jaw and I have been suffering form sinus pain and infections ever since. I am miserable and it has to stop. It is interfering with everything I do. I have to at least wonder if the dental implants and the sinus issues are related. But when I took my concern to my dentist, he looked at me like I was crazy. I have been on antibiotics, over-the-counter meds, and tried many home remedies to alleviate my sinus symptoms. Is there something wrong with the implants? And just because my dentist doesnt agree, is there anyone else I could talk to in order to see if they could be related? My dentist just keeps telling me to go to a general physician who keeps prescribing me more medication. This has to stop!
Cheryl in West Virgina
Cheryl,
So if your dentist hasnt entertained the possibility, you need to see someone new. An Ear Nose and Throat otolaryngologist would be an option or another implant dentist that uses sophisticated CT scanning to diagnose potential problems would be your best bet.
Stages Of Dental Implant Infection
Tooth implant infection can be described in two stages. The first is referred to as peri-implant mucositis. When left untreated, it can transform into a more serious condition, peri-implantitis.
Both progress similarly to gum disease but may develop more rapidly. This is because the attachment of an implant is less durable than that of a natural tooth. Signs can even occur years after implant placement.
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Implant Planning Requires 3
Get a second opinion if your dental implant failed
Successful implant dentists know that three-dimensional x-rays ensure you have enough jawbone to secure the implant. What will your current surgeon do to prevent the problem from recurring? If your implant went into your sinuses and didnt fuse with the bone, there isnt enough bone.
Although Dr. Finley hasnt examined the implant site, from your description, it sounds like you might need to think about getting a second opinion. If you decide to get a second opinion, take your dental records and x-rays with you to the appointment.
This post is sponsored by David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA implant dentist and Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry.
Follow An Effective Dental Care Routine
Create an effective dental care plan in collaboration with your dentist and stick to it.
Having a titanium post into your jawbone is not a matter of joke. Many patients develop what may be called dentist-phobia in the post-surgery period and do not seek help when they need it most. Do not be one of these people.
Talk to your dentist if you have any implant-related concerns. Do not deviate from your dentists guidelines for your dental care.
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Dental Implants Moving Towards The Sinus
In some people when they lose their teeth and do not get a dental implant immediately, the floor of the sinus can drop down leaving little room for the dental implant placement. Commonly, the bone near the missing teeth will resorb. Because the floor has come down, when placing dental implants in such areas, a procedure called sinus lift is done. The addition of a bone graft in this procedure increases the bone height to place a dental implant. This procedure provides for enough jaw bone so that the dental implants can be placed securely on them. This is done to ensure that the implant does not move into the sinus area and cause any future problems. For them, short dental implants are given depending on the available bone.
Only when a dental implant is positioned in a space that lacks sufficient jaw bone and the implant sticks upwards within the sinuses air cavity, which in any case is a rarity, and the infection develops overtime only. Even if a sinus infection develops, there is no need to panic. Such sinus issues can be resolved if timely treatments are given.
So do not bother about a rare condition that might occur when you get dental implants. Dental implants are indeed a boon to replace the missing teeth and be aware that they are as good as natural teeth. The benefits of getting dental implants greatly outweigh the rare problems they can cause.
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What Happens After A Sinus Lift
Most people only experience a little discomfort after their sinus lift. You might have some swelling. You might also experience some light bleeding from your nose or mouth in the days immediately following surgery.
After your procedure, try not to blow your nose or sneeze frequently. . Sneezing and blowing your nose can cause the bone-graft material to move and loosen the stitches. So be careful.
Your dentist or dental specialist might give you:
- Saline spray to keep your nose moist
- A prescription to prevent congestion and inflammation
- Antimicrobial mouthwash to help prevent infection
You will have a follow-up appointment with the dental specialist 7-10 days after your surgery. During this appointment, the specialist will examine the surgical site and remove any stitches that have not dissolved independently. In some cases, patients need to return a few more times for a check-in. There’s no need to worry, though. Your dental professional wants to make sure that you’re healing properly.
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Treatments To Prevent Dental Sinus Infection
You dont need to clean or clean with fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushes every time you brush your teeth. Toothpaste containing fluoride toothpaste is made from water, minerals or a gel. Fluoride in toothpaste is considered harmless to the teeth.
The biggest source of dental pain is the gums. There are lots of products that can be purchased to help alleviate the pain in your mouth. Dentists are the only professionals who have a knowledge of the treatments and products they are able to provide to you.
In general, there are many medications that help you with your pain. For example, one of the most common oral medications is ibuprofen. These medications include:
Diclofenac is an over-the-counter medicine that has anti-inflammatory properties.
If your pain is not relieved by the medicine, you may wish to seek out more expensive oral treatment for dental pain.
In some cases, there are treatments available for oral infections, such as antibiotics. Antibiotics are an anti-infective medication that can be prescribed to treat an oral infection. For a complete list of oral antibiotics, visit the World Health Organization.
Finally, some people are allergic to antibiotics. In this case, you may be required to take them for a while. That being said, they are very effective, so you do not have to take any antibiotic if you are not allergic.
Other Treatment Options
Other things to keep in mind about your oral health are:
Dental hygiene
How To Treat A Dental Implant Infection
First of all an X-ray will be done to determine whether there was any bone loss. This is followed by periodontal probing. This allows for accurate diagnosis of the stage of infection. Then, the dentist will suggest a treatment plan.
The following are the most popular remedies. Usually a combination is performed.
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When To See A Doctor Or Dentist
Following DIS, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection. A person may also require an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever to help alleviate any pain.
Any swelling or bruising should subside within a few days of the surgery. However, if pain and swelling persist beyond a week, the person should book a follow-up dental appointment.
The process of initial healing takes a few weeks, and full osseointegration can take months. A person should seek medical attention if their dental implants begin to move slightly or continue to hurt after a few weeks. Addressing the problem is crucial to preventing complications.
Simple DIS usually only requires local anesthetics, so most people tend to have a relatively short recovery time.
However, some people may experience the following symptoms after DIS:
- pain at the site of the dental implant
- bruising of the gums or skin
- swelling of the gums or face
A dentist or oral surgeon will advise that the person gets plenty of rest following the procedure. They may also recommend a temporary diet of soft foods and the application of an ice pack to the affected part of the face to help alleviate inflammation and swelling.
Discomfort levels may vary from person to person and depending on the number of implants the surgeon placed. However, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be sufficient to alleviate any pain. Pain medications are usually necessary for 23 days after the procedure.
Can Dental Implant Cause Sinus Problems
Can Dental Implant Cause Sinus Problems
If your dentist has confirmed that you might need an implant or you already have one you might be at a loss if this is the best decision for you mainly because implants can lead to sinus issues. While it is true that a dental implant can lead to a sinus issue, most of the dental implants are done successfully without any health risk to the sinus. However, there are instances where a tooth implant can lead to sinus issues.
Sinuses are the air spaces found in the hollow parts of our face bones. The cavities are often found under the eyes or around your nose. The ones under your nose might be very close to the upper jawbone. The upper back jaw is often a delicate area for dental implants because there are insufficient bone quantity and quality and because of the presence of the sinus cavity.
Instances When Implants Can Lead To Sinus Problems
It is possible for some tooth implants to affect the sinus cavity more so if your dentist made an error in the placement of a post. If this is not treated early enough, the implant can become loose leading to an infection.
In case your dentist does not perform this procedure in the instances mentioned earlier, the tooth implant might move up to the sinus leading to sinus problems such as a sinus infection. The condition can be detected using a CT scan or an X-Ray.
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Dental Implant Infection: How To Treat Infected Implant
Dental implants function just like natural teeth and they can become infected just like natural teeth. Infected dental implants become diseased or fail if they are neglected or do not receive regular care from a dental professional. The long-term goal is to arrest the progression of the infection and maintain the implant.
Depending on the level of infection, your dentist may prescribe special mouth rinses or present a combination of other options to get your implant back on a healthy track. Treatment options may include antibiotics, surgery, laser therapy with surface decontamination, mechanical debridement, or antimicrobial therapy. Your dentist wants you to be healthy. If you suspect an infected implant, contact a dentist immediately so the appropriate treatment can be started sooner rather than later. Once your implant is healthy again, keep up with your new hygiene regimen.
What Happens Before A Sinus Lift Surgery
If you’re getting sinus lift surgery, your dental professional will first determine where they’ll get the extra bone. The three most common types of bone used in sinus lift surgeries are:
- Autogenous bone: bone from your own body
- Allogenic bone: bone from a cadaver
- Xenograft: bone from a cow
If the bone comes from your own body, it will come from other areas of your mouth or body.
You’ll then need to get X-rays taken. X-rays allow the surgeon or dental specialist to study your jaw and sinuses so they can figure out precisely what you need.
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Use Of Antibiotics With A Dental Implant Infection
Antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing and spreading. Antibiotics can be effective for prevention and for postoperative infections and can really help the implant stay healthy long-term.
But if and when to use antibiotics for a dental implant procedure is a divisive issue among dentists. Generally speaking, theyre not mandatory, but many dentists prefer to use them. You can speak with your dentist beforehand to see if theyre one of those professionals who prescribe antibiotics to their patients.
Antibiotics As Preventative Care
Just as antibiotics are used to prevent other infections , they can be used to fight infections caused by a dental implant. On the other hand, some dentist say using antibiotics in preventative care is pointless, so your dentist may not believe theyre necessary.
Although antibiotics can help prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth, they are useless against viral or fungal infections.
Antibiotics As Treatment For Infection
Antibiotics are mostly used as a method for treating infection. With minimal bacteria, antibiotics should take care of the infection. But if the infection gets too severe, antibiotics arent powerful enough to correct the issue and will need to defer to surgery.