Kandy Asks:
After 5 years with my dental implant (front, upper, just left of center) causing no problems, I now have what looks like an infection in the gums just above the implanted tooth. It has lasted 6 months and it won't go away. There is no bone loss according to the several x-rays I've had - but antibiotics don't seem to work. Why would this happen and what should I do?
Dear Kandy-
It is difficult to determine a cause or to give a diagnosis of your specific problem from the information you provided, but it is important that you resolve the infection as soon as possible as the viability of the implant and your cosmetics in the esthetic zone are in jeopardy.
Although there isn't bone loss now, it doesn't mean that there won't be bone loss at a later time which could affect the long-term viability of the dental implant. In addition, there could be gum recession as a result of the infection exposing metal under the crown and creating a compromised esthetic situation. Lastly, the infection could lead to a changes in the color of the gums, which could also compromise your esthetics.
I would recommend that you seek a second opinion from an implant surgeon if your present dentist can't resolve this situation successfully for you.
Good luck.
Dr. Brook
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