Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog
Why is the Gum Around Your Implant Swollen?
Duane Kelly
If you've recently had a dental implant and you've never had this procedure before, you won't know exactly what to expect after the implant work is done. While your dentist will have told you what to expect and what might happen, you may not know what is normal and what is a problem.
If your gum around the implant tooth develops problems, you may worry that something has gone wrong. How can you tell if this is a serious problem that needs more treatment?
When Did You Have the Implant?
It's quite common for the gum around an implant site to be affected immediately after the procedure. Implant surgery usually involves inserting a metal post into the bone, so this can have an impact on surrounding areas.
For example, your gum may swell and feel sore; it may even look bruised in places. This is a normal reaction to the procedure, and things should start to improve a few days after the implant procedure. It may help to ice your face and to take anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Do You Have Food Stuck in the Gum?
Sometimes, food can get stuck between a tooth and the gum. If the food isn't removed, then it can inflame the gum as it breaks down. If you feel like you have something stuck in the area, try to remove it. A good cleaning with a toothbrush or a flossing session often does the trick. If this doesn't work and the gum stays sore and tender, make an appointment to see your dentist.
Do You Have a Gum Problem?
If you've had your implant for a few months, or even years, and haven't had any problems with it so far, then you may have a gum disease problem. If this happens, your gums will be tender and sore to brush. They're likely to bleed easily whenever you clean your teeth.
The early signs of gum disease around an implanted tooth are treatable, but it's worth seeing your dentist rather than hoping the problem goes away. If gum disease gets worse, it can affect the implant itself.
Left untreated, gum disease affects the bone in the implant area. Your implant may get loose or need to be removed. If you've lost bone, it's harder to put in a new implant without bone-building treatments like grafts.
See your dentist as soon as you can to have your gum assessed and treated.
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You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!