Why Do I Suddenly Notice a Foul Odor Near my Implant Gumline?

asked 1 year ago by Lynnea6892
Latest answer by Randall LaFrom, DDS
Question viewed 778 times
Tags: side effects

I've had my implant and crown for approx 3 years. Just recently when I "rubbertip" the area (which I do daily), the typicaly bit of oozing that occurs has a very foul odor. I saw my dentist who had no concerns but she followed up with my periodontist, who also said he wasn't concerned. I pushed the issue and got an appt to see my periodontist but not for another 2 weeks. Should I be concerned and request a sooner visit? Thoughts on the cause of this odor all of a sudden?

5 answers to Why Do I Suddenly Notice a Foul Odor Near my Implant Gumline?

Cleaning around an implant

When an implant is placed, that's not the end of maintenance. We have many patients on 2-3 month cleaning intervals because sometimes the access is difficult. You could ask your dentist to modify the contour of it so it's easier to get a small brush, floss or waterpik in there to keep it clean.

Randall LaFrom, DDS
San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Problems with a Dental Implant

Foul smell and exudates around a dental implant, or a natural tooth for that matter, is not the norm and needs to be address ASAP. Make sure to see the doctor that placed your implant to make sure that there is no active infection occurring, this can cause the implant to fail even after 3 years. It is probably something that can be addressed very simply, but if you wait it may turn into something that cant be fixed.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD
Phoenix Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

drbdorfman.com

Don't delay seeing your dentist

I hope all is well. Don't delay seeing your dentist. You need to protect your investment in your oral health.

Mitchel Friedman, DDS
Eatontown Cosmetic Dentist

Problem around dental implant

Without seeing you, it can be hard to tell what is happening. The first thing that I would be concerned with is that there in not an infection in the area. This could have the odor you are referring to. Another possibility is a food trap where bacteria is collecting and not being removed. Proper flossing and other cleaning tools can help to remove the bacteria that is contributing to this issue. When you see your dentist and the problem is discovered, ask how you can continue to keep the... more

Fred Peck, DDS
Cincinnati Cosmetic Dentist

Foul odor and oozing around dental implant

Foul odor and oozing around your implant may be suggestive of inflammation. Inflammation can lead to further loss of tissue and bone and create implantitis (equivalent of gum disease, but around implants), so it is important to control and treat it as soon as possible. This can be due to food or plaque entrapment, poor hygiene practices, or poor margin on your crown causing difficulty to keep the area clean. A surgeon and your restorative dentist should be able to evaluate this by a... more

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD
Bethesda Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

www.facialart.com

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates