For anyone who has experienced severe dental issues requiring dental implants, or for those getting implants for the first time, did you know how important it is to properly care for your implants and what you need to watch out for?


Dental implants are a significant investment, and if you neglect proper care and fail to follow your dentist’s instructions, it can lead to serious problems down the line. Today, we will share 5 main causes of dental implant infections that can lead to severe oral infections, helping you prevent damage to your newly placed implants.

 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a treatment option to replace natural teeth that have been lost due to gum disease, poor dental care, or accidents. Using titanium, which is highly compatible with the human body, a specialist at TDH Dental surgically places the implant to replace the lost tooth root.

Each implant is customized for each patient, considering individual tooth structure and color. Titanium implants are durable and allow you to chew as you would with natural teeth, letting you eat without worry, speak more clearly, and feel more confident in social settings.


You can also read our article on chewing with dental implants to help you better understand how implants function.

 

Components of a Dental Implant:

  1. Implant Body or Fixture:
    The screw-like part surgically placed into your jawbone, acting as a natural tooth root.

  2. Implant Abutment:
    Connects the implant body to the prosthetic component, made of titanium or ceramic for safety and stability.

  3. Prosthetic Component:
    The visible artificial tooth attached to the abutment using dental cement or screws, which may be a crown, bridge, or removable denture.

 

5 Causes of Dental Implant Infections

1. Infection and Poor Post-Surgical Care

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure requiring strict sterile techniques. Infections can develop at any point after surgery, sometimes taking months before showing symptoms like inflammation or pus. This risk increases if patients consume spicy foods or smoke after surgery.

2. Poor Surgical Technique

The procedure must be performed by an experienced implant surgeon who understands bone integration and sterile surgical techniques. Before choosing a clinic, check the credibility and qualifications of the dentist. Choosing a nearby clinic can also make follow-up easier if issues arise.

3. Micromovement of the Implant

After placement, the implant body must remain stable within the jawbone for a period to allow osseointegration, typically taking 16–17 weeks. Any movement within the first 8–12 weeks can compromise stability, so it is essential to wait before placing a crown on the implant.

4. Insufficient Bone Volume

If there is not enough bone and this issue is not addressed before implant placement, the implant is likely to fail. Bone grafting may be necessary, and only a specialist should assess and decide on the treatment plan.

5. Not Following Post-Operative Instructions

This is one of the most common causes of severe infection after implant surgery. Patients often ignore instructions such as avoiding heavy lifting, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption. For some, avoiding spicy foods is also challenging, but failing to follow these guidelines increases the risk of severe infection.

Dental implant treatment involves replacing severely damaged or extracted teeth with implants in a sterile surgical environment. At TDH Dental, our team of specialists ensures proper implant placement using high-quality, safe materials compatible with long-term use in the human body. With proper care, your dental implants can last 30–40 years.

If you are interested in dental implant treatment, visit TDH Dental at any of our branches to learn more and begin your journey toward a healthier, confident smile.