Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore missing teeth. They look natural, feel comfortable, and even help to preserve your periodontal bone. They are not, however, infallible.

Like the rest of your dentistry, implants require excellent self-care to stay healthy. Even though an implant won’t decay like a regular tooth, it can still build up plaque and tartar both above and beneath the gum line. It’s crucial to brush and floss your implant as directed and continue visiting your dentist for regular check-ups.

Unfortunately, even with excellent care, it’s possible to develop an infection if a piece of food, such as a popcorn kernel, or another type of debris becomes lodged beneath the implant.

Why are implants vulnerable to infection? The answer lies in the slight difference between the anatomy of an implant and the anatomy of a natural tooth. Your natural teeth are connected to your gums by small gum tissue fibers. These fibers attach to the surface of the root. If a kernel or other small bit of debris becomes lodged, it is possible that it can tear these small fibers and cause discomfort and infection, but the fibers do act as a sort of barrier to help prevent this from happening.

Dental implants do not have gum fiber attachment, which means that it’s easier for debris to become lodged in the gum and cause infection.

If you experience any of the symptoms of infection around your implant site, including pain, sensitivity, redness, puffiness, or a pimple-like lesion, please call our office right away so we can perform an examination and plan for treatment. Left untreated, a periodontal infection can cause damage to your gum and bone tissue.

Our periodontists are skilled in implant infection treatments. Hollywood, Aventura, Broward County, Miami-Dade, and South Florida patients are welcome.