Nhiễm Trùng Implant - Dấu Hiệu Và Cách Xử Lý Hiệu Quả

Like any medical procedure, dental implant surgery can lead to complications, with infection being one of the most common and serious issues. Peri-implant infection not only affects the healing process but can also result in implant failure if not treated promptly.Join Herident as we explore the signs of implant infection and effective ways to manage it, helping you protect your oral health in the article below.

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Causes of Implant Infection

Implant infections can occur immediately after surgery or develop over time if hygiene and care are not properly maintained. Below are common causes of implant infection:

Early Infection After Implant Placement

Non-sterile environment or improperly sterilized tools: During the implant surgery, if the operating environment is not sterile or the instruments are not correctly sterilized, bacteria can enter the implant site and cause infection from the very beginning. Improper sterilization is one of the leading causes of early infection.
Incorrect surgical technique: If the implant procedure is not performed properly—such as incorrect drilling or damage to surrounding soft tissue and bone—it can increase the risk of infection.

Nhiễm trùng Implant sớm xảy ra do môi trường không vô trùng hoặc dụng cụ không tiệt trùng tốt — Early implant infection occurs due to a non-sterile environment or improperly sterilized instruments.

Late Infection After Implant Placement

Oral diseases: Oral conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or untreated tooth decay can lead to bacterial growth. Bacteria from these conditions can spread to the area around the implant, causing inflammation and reducing the implant’s stability in the bone.
Improper oral hygiene: Failing to properly care for oral hygiene—especially around the implant area—can lead to plaque buildup and bacterial accumulation, resulting in peri-implant inflammation. Conditions such as peri-implantitis may develop, threatening the long-term success of the implant.
Infection from adjacent areas: Bacteria can spread from other areas in the oral cavity, such as decayed teeth or inflamed gums, to the implant site. Additionally, infections from other sources like sinusitis or tonsillitis can also spread and cause implant-related infections.

Nhiễm trùng Implant muộn do vệ sinh kém, bệnh lý răng miệng hoặc vi khuẩn từ vùng lân cận — Late-stage implant infection can result from poor oral hygiene, underlying dental conditions, or bacteria spreading from adjacent areas.

Signs of Implant Infection

An implant infection can present with several noticeable symptoms. Common signs include:

Pain and swelling: The area around the implant may feel painful or swollen, especially when eating or touching it. This discomfort does not subside after a few days.
Pus or foul-smelling discharge: The presence of pus or bad-smelling fluid from around the implant indicates bacterial activity and infection.
Unusual bleeding:. The gums surrounding the implant may bleed easily, especially during brushing or oral hygiene routines.
Implant mobility: If the implant feels loose or shifts when pressed, it may signal infection or a failure of the implant to integrate with the bone.
Low-grade fever and fatigue: The body may respond to the infection with mild fever, fatigue, or a general feeling of unwellness.

Effective Treatment for Implant Infection

Timely intervention is crucial when an implant infection occurs, in order to protect the implant post and prevent serious complications. Depending on the severity of the infection, the dentist will apply the appropriate treatment measures.

In Cases of Peri-Implant Inflammation

If the infection is still mild—such as slight swelling or pus around the implant—the dentist will thoroughly clean the area, drain any pus pockets, and disinfect the implant surface. At the same time, any sources of infection will be eliminated, and the surrounding gum tissue will be reassessed to ensure stability and the absence of further bacterial growth.

Viêm quanh Implant là viêm nướu và mô mềm xung quanh trụ Implant — Peri-implantitis is the inflammation of the gums and soft tissue surrounding the implant post.

In Cases of Severe Implant Infection

When an infection becomes serious, the dentist will perform surgical cleaning and debridement of the pus pocket, possibly combined with connective tissue grafting to restore the soft tissue and bone around the implant. In some cases, the use of localized antibiotics may also be prescribed to aid the healing process and control the infection.

In Cases of Implant Loosening

If the implant begins to loosen, the dentist will assess the level of mobility. If the implant moves more than 0.5 mm horizontally or can be easily shifted, it will need to be removed. The site will be thoroughly cleaned, and after the area has fully healed, a new implant may be placed to prevent further infection and restore function.

How to Prevent Implant Infections

For Dentists

Pre-surgical preparation: Dentists should instruct patients on proper oral hygiene, control plaque buildup, and treat any preexisting conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or root infections before proceeding with the surgery. Preventive use of antibiotics and mouth rinses can significantly reduce the risk of implant infections.
Implant surgery: During the surgical procedure, the dentist must strictly adhere to sterilization protocols, using disinfection tools such as UV light or other appropriate sterilizing equipment to ensure a clean surgical environment. Implant placement techniques must be precise and follow standardized procedures to minimize the risk of infection.
Post-operative care: After the procedure, dentists will prescribe suitable antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwashes to support healing and prevent infection. They will also provide guidance on proper oral hygiene and dietary habits during the recovery phase.
Prosthetic placement: When attaching the implant crown or abutment, antiseptic gels containing chlorhexidine may be used to reduce the risk of infection at the implant site.

Bác sĩ cần tuân thủ vô trùng và vệ sinh đúng cách khi tiến hành thăm khám, phẫu thuật cấy ghép Implant — Dentists must adhere to proper sterilization and hygiene protocols during examinations and implant surgery.

For Patients

Follow the dentist’s instructions: Patients must strictly follow their dentist’s recommendations, especially regarding scheduled follow-up appointments and proper oral care after implant placement.
Practice proper oral hygiene: To prevent infection, avoid using harsh tools like toothpicks, which can damage the gum tissue and cause inflammation. Instead, use dental floss, specialized floss threaders, or interdental brushes to clean between teeth and around the implant area.
Use antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with a mouthwash containing 0.12% chlorhexidine helps reduce oral bacteria and lowers the risk of infection around the implant.
Attend regular check-ups: Patients should visit their dentist regularly to monitor the condition of the implant and detect any early signs of infection. It’s recommended to schedule follow-ups every 2–3 months during the first year, and every 6–12 months afterward to ensure early detection and timely intervention.

Herident Dental Clinic strictly follows sterilization protocols to ensure patient safety.

Ảnh

Early detection and prompt treatment of implant infections are critical to protecting oral health and ensuring the long-term success of the implant. If you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s important to visit a dental professional immediately for proper consultation and care.

If you are experiencing signs of an implant infection or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Herident Dental Clinic via hotline 0975 919 949. Our team of specialists is always ready to provide consultation and support to help you find a quick and effective solution for your oral health.