10 Signs You Have a Dental Implant Infection

Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for missing teeth, but like any medical treatment, complications can occur - including dental implant infections. While implant infections are uncommon, knowing how to recognise the warning signs early can help prevent more serious issues, protect your oral health, and save your restoration.

This guide is designed for anyone in the UK or abroad who has implants, is considering treatment, or wants to understand the signs of infected dental implants. If you're exploring implant treatment, you may also find our Dental Implants in Turkey page helpful.

Below, we break down the most important symptoms, why they appear, and what you should do next.

What Is a Dental Implant Infection?
10 Symptoms of a Dental Implant Infection
What Causes Dental Implant Infections?
How Are Dental Implant Infections Treated?
How to Prevent Dental Implant Infections
Key Takeaways for Dental Implant Infection
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dental Implant Infection?

A dental implant infection (also called peri-implantitis) occurs when bacteria build up around the implant site, affecting the gum tissue and the bone supporting the implant. This can happen shortly after surgery or in the weeks later.

If left untreated, infections can lead to:

Bone loss
Gum recession
Implant instability
Implant failure

Early detection is crucial because treatment is far more successful before an infection causes structural damage.

10 Symptoms of a Dental Implant Infection

Below are the 10 most common and clinically recognised signs of dental implant infection. If you recognise any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a dental professional as soon as possible.

1. Persistent Pain Around the Implant

Pain lasting longer than expected may indicate infection. Some discomfort is normal after implant surgery, but persistent or worsening pain may be a sign of infected dental implants.

What to look for:

Throbbing or pulsing pain
Pain when touching the area
Discomfort that doesn't improve within a few days

If pain appears months after healing, it may indicate peri-implantitis.

2. Red, Inflamed, or Swollen Gums

Gum inflammation is one of the earliest warning signs. Healthy gums should look pink and firm. If gums around your implant appear red, swollen, or puffy, this may be a sign of infection.

Additional symptoms may include:

Warmth around the implant
Sensitivity when brushing
Puffiness that doesn’t reduce with time

3. Bleeding When Brushing or Eating

Bleeding around an implant, especially if persistent, can signal the early stage of infection.

You may notice:

Bleeding when brushing
Bleeding when flossing near the implant
Blood on food or utensils

This is often an early sign of peri-implant mucositis, which can progress into peri-implantitis if untreated.

4. Receding Gums Around the Implant

Gum recession suggests infection may be damaging tissue. As infection develops, gum tissue begins to break down. This can cause the implant or abutment to become more visible.

Signs include:

Longer-looking teeth
A visible metal margin
A gap forming between the gum and implant

Gum recession is a red flag and should be flagged to your dentist if you are concerned.

5. Bad Breath or an Unpleasant Taste

Infection produces bacteria that lead to odour. Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may indicate bacterial build-up around an implant.

Symptoms:

Metallic or sour taste
Persistent bad breath despite brushing
Bad odour from the implant site

This often occurs when pus is present.

6. Pus or Discharge From the Implant Site

Pus is one of the clearest signs of infection. Any form of discharge – including yellow or white fluid – indicates that bacteria have caused an active infection.

Additional warning signs:

Swelling filled with fluid
A bitter taste when pressure is applied
Gum “pockets” around the implant

Immediate dental help is needed if pus is present.

7. Loose or Wobbly Implant

A loose implant means the supporting bone may be compromised. In severe cases, infection can weaken the jawbone, causing the implant to loosen.

Signs include:

Implant movement when touched
A clicking sensation
Difficulty chewing

If your implant feels unstable, contact a dentist right away.

8. Difficulty Chewing or Biting Down

Discomfort when eating may indicate inflammation or bone loss. If you avoid chewing on one side or experience pain when biting, it may be due to infection affecting the implant’s support.

Symptoms may include:

Pain when biting down
Sharp discomfort when eating
Pressure sensitivity

9. Fever or Generalised Illness

In advanced cases, infection may spread. If a dental implants infection progresses, you may develop the following systems:

Fever
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Headaches

Treatment is required immediately if you present any of these symptoms along with other indicators of a dental implant infection.

10. Implant Looks or Feels “Different”

Visual or sensory changes often signal underlying issues. If something feels “off”, even without strong pain, it may still be a sign of an infected dental implant.

Changes to look for:

Shifting position
Darkening gum tissue
Unusual pressure
Odd sensations in the jaw

Trust your instincts – changes should always be checked.

What Causes Dental Implant Infections?

A dental implant infection can develop for several reasons. The most common include:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene - Bacteria build-up can cause gum inflammation, infection, and bone loss.

2. Smoking - Smoking reduces oxygen flow and slows healing, increasing infection risk.

3. Gum Disease History - Patients with previous periodontal disease are more susceptible.

4. Improper Implant Placement - Incorrect angulation or depth can cause bone stress and inflammation.

5. Poor Healing or Weakened Immune System - Conditions such as diabetes may impact healing.
6. Trauma - Grinding teeth or biting too hard on the implant can cause inflammation.

How Are Dental Implant Infections Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection.

1. Professional Cleaning - Gentle removal of plaque and bacteria from the implant.

2. Antibiotics - Used for early-stage infections.

3. Laser Therapy - Targets bacteria while preserving tissue.

4. Peri-implantitis Surgery - Removes infected tissue and regenerates bone.

5. Removing and Replacing the Implant - Needed only in advanced infection cases.

For UK Smiles patients, our team can advise on next steps and coordinate appropriate care through our clinical partners.

How to Prevent Dental Implant Infections

When you receive a dental implant procedure, you should always follow the guidance and advice of your dental team, but generally we recommend that all patients should:

Brush twice daily with a toothbrush
Floss daily or use interdental brushes
Attend routine check-ups
Avoid smoking
Report unusual pain or swelling early
Maintain regular professional cleanings

Why You Can Trust UK Smiles for Safe Dental Implant Treatment

When performed correctly by experienced professionals, dental implants are one of the safest and most predictable dental procedures, with long-term success rates. At UK Smiles, we ensure every patient receives the highest level of clinical care – both before and after treatment – so you can feel completely confident in your decision.

Highly Qualified Dentists

Our dental implant procedures are carried out by leading Turkish dentists each with years of clinical experience and hundreds of successful implant cases. Their backgrounds include:

Advanced implant training
Maxillofacial surgical expertise
Academic research and publications
Specialist skills in bone grafting and complex cases

This ensures our patients receive exceptional standards of care and predictable long-term outcomes.

UK-Based Consultations for Total Peace of Mind

Unlike many dental tourism providers, UK Smiles offers full UK consultations before you travel. You will:

Meet one of the dentists who will perform your treatment
Have an X-ray and clinical assessments completed beforehand
Receive a fully transparent treatment plan
Understand risks, timelines, and expected results

This eliminates uncertainty and helps ensure your treatment is appropriate and safe for your oral health.

Strict Safety and Hygiene Standards

Our partner clinics follow international clinical protocols, including:

Hospital-grade sterilisation
Advanced infection-control measures
State-of-the-art surgical suites
High-quality titanium implants and premium materials

Safety is never compromised – every implant placed follows globally recognised best practices.

Comprehensive Aftercare in the UK

Implants don’t just require expert placement; they need correct aftercare too. UK Smiles provides:

UK follow-up checks in our Leeds clinic
Bite adjustments and post-treatment reviews
Easy access to your treatment team
Ongoing support for healing and maintenance

This UK-based aftercare is one of the biggest advantages we offer, giving you continued support long after your trip.

Transparent, Ethical Treatment Plans

We don’t over-treat or recommend implants unnecessarily. Every treatment plan is based on:

Clinical need
Bone health
Long-term function
Aesthetic goals

Our priority is always preserving your natural oral health and ensuring your implant lasts as long as possible.

Implants Are One of the Safest Long-Term Solutions

Dental implants have been used for decades and are widely regarded as the most stable and durable replacement for missing teeth. When combined with proper care and expert placement – like at UK Smiles – they offer a long-lasting with extraordinary success rates.

Key Takeaways for Dental Implant Infection

Dental implant infections can occur early or years later
Common signs include swelling, pain, bleeding, bad breath, and gum recession
Early detection significantly increases treatment success
Severe infections may cause bone loss or implant failure
Prevention relies on good oral hygiene and regular dental reviews

Dental Implants FAQs

How do I know if my dental implant is infected?

You may have a dental implant infection if you notice symptoms such as swelling, pain, bleeding, pus, gum recession, or a bad taste in your mouth. Persistent pain is one of the most common early indicators.

Can an infected dental implant be saved?

Yes, many infected dental implants can be saved if treated early. Procedures may include cleaning, antibiotics, laser therapy, or surgical intervention. Only severe infections causing major bone loss require implant removal.

What should I do if I think my dental implant is infected?

Contact a dental professional immediately. Infection progresses quickly, and delaying treatment may lead to implant failure. If you received your implant abroad, seek advice from your clinic or a UK dentist as soon as possible.

Protect Your Smile with UK Smiles

If you're worried about a dental implant infection or want to explore implant treatment safely, UK Smiles is here to help. Our team offers UK-based consultations, experienced dentists, transparent pricing, and full aftercare support.

Explore dental treatments from our specialist dentists, or contact our team for your free quote today. With UK Smiles, your safety, confidence, and long-term oral health always come first.

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