Dental implants don’t decay or get infected, so you may think they’ll never bother you. How else could these prosthetic teeth cause problems for your mouth? Even so, your implant posts may start to “feel” sensitive or sore at some point. That issue can point to serious treatment concerns, so your Falls Church dentist is here to help you through it. Read on to learn the causes of implant sensitivity and why to discuss them with your dental provider.
What Makes a Dental Implant Feel Sensitive?
To be honest, dental implants can’t “feel” things in themselves. They’re artificial – they lack the nerve endings needed to detect any physical sensations. Rather, the areas around these metal posts can get irritated by the following:
A Crowded Mouth
If a dentist places a dental implant too close to other teeth, it’ll crowd your mouth. The post will cause pressure to build in nearby areas until the tissues become tender. At that point, the growing force could make the implant seemingly “sensitive.”
An Impacted Area
A patient could develop implant sensitivity if debris gets lodged between the post and natural teeth. After all, even a corn kernel can prove irritating when it’s wedged into your gums. To confirm whether an impaction is the root issue, you should look for “leftovers” around your implant post.
Infected Gums
While dental implants don’t get infections, the gums around them definitely can. A bad case of gum disease would erode the bone near an implant post, making the false tooth “feel” loose or achy. The gums could also get inflamed by cement placed to secure an implant’s crown.
Nerve Damage
Despite a dentist’s caution, you may suffer nerve damage during dental implant surgery. The placement process has a risk of harming crucial tissue in permanent ways. From such nerve damage, a part of your mouth may develop lasting sensitivity.
Why You Should Consult Your Dentist
The simple truth is that a “sensitive” dental implant often points to implant failure. Given this fact, it’s best to quickly see a dentist to see if your treatment is holding up. A good dental provider can check your implant post for signs of failure like:
- Inflamed and tender gums
- Trouble with chewing
- Obvious pain and discomfort
- Receding gums
- Swollen gums
- Implant looseness
In the future, remember to act if your dental implant feels sensitive. See your local dentist to ensure your restoration keeps working well!
About the Practice
DentaCrafters PLLC is based in Falls Church, VA. Led by Drs. Elsadig and Duckett, our practice is always ready to provide the best dental care possible. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or even restorative work, we’ll ensure your smile thrives for years to come. Our team can even treat (or replace) your sensitive dental implant! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (703)-241-5775.