Implant bleeding – when does it happen?

If you’ve just got dental implants or are considering them, you might be wondering about implant bleeding. 

Is it normal or is it a sign of a problem? How long will it last for?

Find out the answers to these questions and more in our comprehensive guide to implant bleeding. 

 

What is considered excessive bleeding after dental implant treatment?

Some bleeding is perfectly normal after a more invasive procedure, especially a dental procedure that involves extractions or more complex procedures like gum grafts. 

If you are experiencing implant bleeding, there are several things you can do to help stop it, including: 

• Biting down on gauze or a caffeinated tea bag for about 30 minutes – remember to change for a fresh bag or gauze wad every 3 hours. 
• Avoid sucking, including using straws or sports caps when drinking and smoking. 
• Opt for cooler drinks and food, as consuming hot things can increase blood flow.
• Use cold compresses in the area of the jaw to reduce swelling and decrease bleeding.

However, if implant bleeding persists for more than 72 hours, it could be considered excessive, so you should contact your dentist or implantologist right away. 

This is because excessive or prolonged bleeding can be a result of complications from the dental implant procedure. 

 

Reasons for post-implant bleeding 

If you do experience excessive bleeding after dental implant treatment, it could be a result of one of the following complications. 

While it is worth being aware of these possible outcomes, it’s best not to worry, as your implantologist will likely have taken all precautions possible to ensure they don’t happen. 

 

Mucositis 

After treatment, if the soft tissues around your implant become inflamed, you could have developed mucositis. 

It is fully reversible and includes symptoms like:

• Redness 
• Swelling 
• Bleeding from the soft tissues 

It can be caused by a build-up of plaque, incorrect placement of dental implants, smoking, irritation from oral cement, or mechanical failure of components – all of which are easy for your dental team to rectify. 

 

Peri-implantitis 

If mucositis is not treated, the infection can develop into peri-implantitis – which is not curable. 

This affects the bone as well as the soft tissues and can result in implant failure. For this reason, even if you have had mucositis treated successfully or you’ve had your implants for a few years, you must maintain good oral hygiene and attend follow up appointments. 

Signs of peri-implantitis include: 

• Swelling or redness in the gums around the implant 
• Discharge or oozing near the implant
• Pain or tenderness in the area – including problems biting and chewing
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Loosening of the implant 
• Lesions or bone loss

While not curable, there are treatments available that can stop its progression and make your day-to-day life more comfortable, so always see a dentist if you are concerned. 

 

Sepsis from dental implant

A huge focus within healthcare in recent years, sepsis can develop from any type of infection. This is important to consider alongside dental implants, as the wound site can become a hotbed for infection. 

If left to progress, sepsis can affect clotting, damaging or destroying tissues and vital organs and leading to organ failure. 

Symptoms of sepsis can be different from person to person, but can look like: 

• Changes in mental status
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Sweating for no reason 
• Light-headedness 
• Shivering 

If sepsis is left to progress, septic shock can occur – which is an extreme drop in blood pressure. This raises the risk of fatality. 

Symptoms of septic shock include:

• Not being able to stand 
• Extreme sleepiness – patients will have a very hard time staying awake
• Major changes in mental status, including extreme confusion

If you are concerned about sepsis or septic shock, you need to go to A&E or call 999 for emergency care. 

 

Metal allergies 

Despite the fact that dental solutions use bio-compatible materials – those proven to be safe for use in the body – some people can still find themselves developing a metal allergy after dental implants. 

Metal allergies are not curable and if one occurs, you will need to speak to your dentist to see how your treatment can be altered to remove the metal elements that are triggering your immune system. 

This can include metal-free solutions made with ceramics or titanium components – which shouldn’t trigger the same response. 

Dental metal allergy symptoms 

If you have or develop a metal allergy, you can expect symptoms such as:

• Burning, tingling, or stinging sensations on the tongue or the lining of the mouth
• Ulcers that don’t seem to heal 
• Inflammation and implant bleeding 
• A sour, metallic taste in the mouth
• Rashes and eczema 
• Fatigue 
• Increased body temperature, sweating, and feeling feverish

If you are experiencing any of these, you must speak to your dentist as soon as possible – as allergies will not stop until the metal is removed and can be worsened by prolonged contact. 

 

Sinus infection from dental implant 

Also called sinusitis, a sinus infection is a possible complication of dental implant surgery. 

This occurs most often if the patient has opted for dental implants in the upper jaw, which is positioned just below the maxillary sinus. If you needed a sinus lift to make room for your upper implants, this is even more likely. 

When the sinus is lifted, the Schneiderian membrane is repositioned, leaving room for bacteria to enter the cheek sinus and cause an infection. 

Symptoms of sinusitis can include: 

• Pain, tenderness, or swelling around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead 
• Green or yellow mucus from the nose 
• A blocked nose 
• A reduced sense of smell 
• Sinus headaches 
• Toothache 
• Persistent bad breath 
• A high temperature

If you recognise these symptoms, be sure to see your dentist – who is able to prescribe antibiotics. 

How to prevent dental implant infection

The number one reason for implant failure is infection – and it can go on to cause many of the complications explored above. 

As such, you should be clear on how to prevent dental implant infection in general. 

Following these top tips should help you keep infection at bay, improve the outcome of your implant treatment, and ensure your implants last for decades to come! 

 

Improving your oral hygiene 

When you start taking charge of your dental health, your dental professional will give you personalised advice on how to properly keep your teeth and gums clear of plaque.

Removing plaque regularly will help to prevent gum (periodontal) disease. 

 

Attend professional cleanings and regular check ups  

Hardened or persistent plaque and tartar can be impossible to remove without the tools and experience of dental hygienists. 

As such, you should attend professional cleanings as often as your dentist recommends. 

Likewise, if you avoid general check-ups, dental issues can occur and progress without you knowing – so treatment cannot occur. 

If you see your dentist regularly, they can monitor problem areas or potential issues and treat them before they get worse. 

 

Take antibiotics if prescribed

While the overprescription of antibiotics is an issue within healthcare, if a dentist tells you that you need them, you must take them. 

This is because antibiotics can halt the progress of infection, stopping it from becoming potentially dangerous – as in the case of sepsis. 

 

Opt for surgical interventions if needed

If you need it, your dental professional may recommend surgical interventions to correct issues – especially if they cannot be treated another way. 

The procedures can include: 

• Implant surface cleaning (decontamination)
• Bone grafting 
• Guided tissue regeneration

While extra surgical procedures carry risks – from anaesthetics, for example – these can be carefully monitored and corrected while treatment occurs.

In some cases, surgery can resolve issues once and for all – which might not be possible with any other intervention. 

 

Stop smoking 

Smoking is bad for you – this isn’t a surprise. 

However, the link between smoking and poor oral health and worse outcomes from dental procedures isn’t so well known. 

So, to improve the chances of successful treatment and prevent future issues, you should stop smoking. 

 

Change your lifestyle 

There is an array of lifestyle modifications you can complete to improve your chances of treatment success and reduce the likelihood of further issues, including:

• Controlling diabetes 
• Eating a wide and varied balanced diet 
• Drinking more water 
• Using fluoride
• Brushing twice a day
• Flossing at least once 

The better your overall health, the lower the risk of complications from dental surgery.

 

Contact MIC for help and advice about dental implants  

Although unpleasant, implant bleeding is common – but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye on it.  

If you are considering dental implants in London or are worried about the after-effects of treatment, the team at Marylebone Implant Centre (MIC) can help. 

With a focus on patient-led care, our team will do everything they can to support you in your dental journey, while you decide what is best for you – without pressure and expectation. 

To get in touch, you can call us on 020 3285 6142 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you.