Dental Implants. Very Early Infection?

Question

5 days after dental implants were inserted I can see a white coating on the gum at the sutures where my dentist buried the implants. Is this an infection?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Without photos, this is just a guess: this is normal healing of the gums.  Infection takes time to "incubate" so I would not think it is that.  As gums heal from surgery, they often appear white.  They may even slough off an outer layer or two.  Within two weeks it should look close to normal.

Jessica Wyatt, DDS · Answer

Without a photo, it's hard to say. If you're concerned about infection, the best course of action would be to follow up with the dentist so he or she can evaluate the area. When the site is healing, a normal white-ish substance called "granulation tissue" can form, and this is normal. Hope this helps.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

Without photos hard to determine but many times I get calls from patients and they come in concerned and it turns out that it is normal.  As gums heal they normally appear white.

Victor Sanz, DDS · Answer

If the taste is somewhat foul/bitter, it may be. It does seem very early, I suspect food plaque or just white blood cells healing the area which is normal. If in doubt, stop by the dentist for a quick check.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD · Answer

The white coating you write about most likely is either healing granulation tissue, dissolving sutures (if the dissolving type was used) or possibly plaque buildup on the sutures.If there is a white / yellow fluid coming from the wound then this represents pus and you may have an infection.  See the doctor that placed the implants to make sure you are healing correctly

Dental Implants. Very Early Infection?

Answers (5)

Answer: Dental implant

Answer: Dental implant

Answer: Probably Not

Answer: Probably Not

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Dental Implants. Very Early Infection?

Answers (5)

Answer: Dental implant

Answer: Dental implant

Answer: Probably Not

Answer: Probably Not

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.