Dental implants are a great replacement for natural teeth. And like natural teeth, you'll need to observe proper oral hygiene. You also need to check for signs of infections or inflammations. Some of these signs include the following.

Pus or Bleeding 

If you notice that the area around the dental implant is bleeding or oozing pus, you likely have an infection. You should seek dental care and remedies for the bleeding. While, it's not uncommon for people to bleed around the implant area, especially when brushing, this doesn't mean you should ignore the bleeding or pus. 

Pain 

As expected, you'll experience pain after the tooth is implanted. This is why you get pain medication to relieve your pain. The pain should ease over time, but if it's not improving, or it's worsening, seek medical attention. It's likely your dental implant is infected, and the infection is spreading to other teeth and the gum. 

Difficulty Chewing 

The days following the procedure will be challenging to consume food. You'll experience slight discomfort as you chew food, but it should dissipate after a few days. If the discomfort increases or doesn't get better after several days, contact your dentist. The discomfort may be a sign of dental implant infection. It should be treated immediately to avoid spreading to other areas. 

Bad Taste and Breath

Typically, bad breath and taste will dissipate after brushing and flossing your teeth. If the taste or breath persists even after brushing your teeth and tongue, you might be dealing with an infection. Contact your dentist to get the treatment you need and prevent severe oral damage. 

Loose Implants 

Dental implants should be firmly grounded in place. If they begin wobbling, it could lead to an infection. Wobbly implants aren't necessarily a sign of infection, but it could lead to one. The space between the implant and gum can harbor food and bacteria. Since the space is tiny, you may struggle to clean it; eventually, you may develop a dental implant infection. Therefore, if your implants are wobbly, contact a dentist and have them fixed before they lead to an infection. 

Can You Save an Infected Dental Implant?

Yes, your dental implant can be saved if diagnosed early. Once the infection becomes severe, you'll begin experiencing bone loss, and you'll need to have the implant removed immediately. You can replace the implant, but only after the area has healed and the infection cleared. This is why you need to be on the lookout for signs of infections to ensure that they're diagnosed and treated early. 

For more information, contact a dental implant dentistry office near you.