Infection from Dental Implants: Treatment Options and Plan?

Last Updated: Nov 12, 2015

I had surgery in December 2011 in which I received 3 dental implants. I’ve had trouble with them ever since. My surgeon has inserted antibiotics at the implant site on one implant and I am still having gum soreness at that site and I had to be treated for a herpes breakout on my gums on that one side. I went to my dentist to begin process of installing crowns and he was able to milk pus out around all three implants and told me it will be a long time before I am ready for crowns and a bridge. This has gone on for almost 6 months, I am worried about what can realistically be done to solve this problem. I have concentrated on good oral cleaning habits throughout this time. What can be done to stop the infection? What are my treatment options? After the infection is gone how long do I need to wait before I can get crowns?

2 Comments on Infection from Dental Implants: Treatment Options and Plan?

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Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi

11/12/2015

Once implants are infected, they should be simply removed. If possible, the site can be grafted to preserve the bone, or if not, then wait until the area heals and then re-evaluate. Implants can be placed again.Insertion of antibiotics at implant sites is not effective. It's important that you actually see an oral surgeon to evaluate it properly.Dr. Kazemi

Dr. Theodore M. Grossman

11/12/2015

Sorry to hear about this complication. It is likely the infection started at time of surgery. My success treating "Ailing Implants" has been mixed. It would be helpful to obtain a bacterial culture. Modern implant surfaces provide a good site for bacterial growth with little chance of antibiotics reaching the roughened surface via blood supply. Any implant threads have been exposed need to be polished smooth and the surface detoxified when possible. This is accompanied by the appropriate antibiotic coverage and chlorhexidene rinses. Failure of detoxification would require implant removal and site re-evaluation. Attention to any periodontal pathogens present in your flora may provide information for the next stage of reconstruction.Good Luck. Theodore M Grossman DMD

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