Do Dental Implants Risk Infection?

in every surgical procedure there is a slight risk of infection, but when you see the success rate of dental implant at 98%, the risk is very minimal if the pre-operatve work was done properly, i.e.: your medical histroy has been reviewed and checked, if you have any history of infection in the site were the implant will be placed or next to it etc..

 

 

If you have a normal immune system and are not diabetic then you shouldnt have any problems with infection.

While I restore a lot of implants I have them placed by my favorite oral surgeon. We have been doing this as a team for a really long time. In all that time he (we) have lost only 1 implant because it didn't integrate. This wasn't even an overt infection. Just a failure to integrate. If the patient is screened carefully and the proper protocols are followed the chance of infection is very low.

Oral surgery related infection is extremely rare, but certianly possible. Post operative antibiotics and frequrent oral rinses can help minimize the risk of infection. Should infection occur, immediate attention with antibiotics and  incision and drainage, if necessary, can help to quickly resolve it. The surgical technique and style of tissue manipulation can also help lessen the risk. An experienced surgeon who is familiar with surgical principles, is the appropriate type of dentist for implant placement with less complications.

 

thanks

Dr. Kazemi
 

While infection of a dental implant is rare, it cn be a devastating experience for the person it happens to! Implant success rates are above 90% when conditions are best meaning good quality bone, good bone height and width and good density. The only way to assess these parameters is to go to a surgeon who owns a CTscanner in office and can show you their plan. Also, using guided surgery increases the overall success because it can help take out the guess work. So, if you want the best chance of a successful outcome, see a board certified surgeon who has a scanner and will spend time with you discussing your particular chances of a successful implant outcome.

Do you have a risk of infection from a dental implant procedure? Yes. 

The process of having a dental implant is minor surgery in your mouth. Like any sort of minor surgery anywhere else on your body, ANY surgery always has SOME risk of infection. 

If you are concerned about infection, discuss your health status with your implant dentist. Unless you have compromised health or an existing infection already in your jaw, it is highly unlikely that you will get an infection.

Think about the risk this way: When you get in your car, are you at risk of having an accident? (yes). Some of the risks are: that someone will run a red light and hit you, a pedestrian could step off the curb in front of you, the car next to you could swerve out of its lane and into you...

If you are like me, you drive thousands of miles a year without any problems. The same is really true with dental implants. Many are done everyday without any issues.

So the real issue is not is there a risk, there is ALWAYS a risk. The real issue is the amount of risk acceptable and is the benefit of having that tooth replaced with a dental implant worth taking some minor risk. In almost every circumstance, the overwhelming answer is YES!

Thanks, Scott Greenhalgh, DDS

With proper case selection ,pre and post surgical protocol the risk for Dental Infection following Implant placement should be exceptionally minimal. In terms of preoperative screening heavy smokers and uncontrolled diabetics are not ideal candidates to receive Dental Implants. Before surgery the use of an appropriate antibiotic is commonly used. Assuming reasonable surgical skill and post operative patient compliance healing for the vast majority of cases is non eventful. Post operative visits with your Oral Surgeon and Restorative dentist will help to assure good healing and effective Integration of Implant within Bone.

After implant placement, during the healing phase, like in any part of your body, you have to be careful follow doctors recommendations in order to avoid any complications. Infections around implant supporting tissues are not more common if that is your question. Right after the surgery there is that "sensitive" period of time when probability of greater inflammation and infection might develop, but it can be well controlled by your doctor if you go for check up appointments. And in majority cases they can be resolved completely. You have to keep in mind that with implant restoration you have to make sure that your hygiene level has to be high. If you "relax" and forget to brush and floss around the implant you can develop periimplantitis, which eventually can cause implant failure. It happens very rarely, but such a possibility exists. If you have periodontal disease in your mouth that also would affect soft tissues surrounding your implant. Keep in mind that implant is an excellent treatment modality, but you have to keep up with a good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups to prevent any complications. Good luck!

Only 1-5% of implants fail. Some are due to infections in the adjacent bone surrounding the implant. These failed implants are removed and the infection goes away quickly.

Specifically, a full dental/periodontal exam should be done prior to the placement.  During the surgery, the patient, should be premedicated with an antibiotic.  If any additional procedures are done at that time, the antibiotics should be continued.  If not, premedication for the day of the surgery is the advised regimen.  If the above is followed, there is minimal if no risk of infection with dental implants.

 

Sincerely,

Anca bazile, DDS, MSD. Periodontist, New York City