As the gold standard of tooth replacement, dental implants can seem flawless at first. However, even these restorations suffer problems from time to time. Your own could give you a case of dental implant sensitivity if the right factors come into play. That said, your Grapevine practice wants to help you solve that problem. Here’s what makes dental implants “feel” sensitive and why you should consult your dentist about the sensitivity.
Major Causes of Dental Implant Sensitivity
Since they’re artificial, dental implants can’t really “feel” things. It’s just that the areas around them can become irritated by the following:
An Impacted Area
Often, impacted debris can make the area between your implant and natural teeth sensitive. That’s a common response to such impaction – even a corn kernel is painful when it’s wedged in the gums. As for whether you have it, just look in the mirror for “leftovers” around your implant post.
Nerve Damage
During implant placement, a dentist may accidentally knick your gum tissue or nerves. This incident can sometimes cause permanent nerve damage near your dental implant. From there, the damaged area may start to feel sensitive.
Dental Crowding
If a dental implant is placed too close to their other teeth, a patient can suffer crowding. That placement would cause pressure to build near the post and make the area tender. Over time, the growing force would even make the implant itself seemingly “feel” sensitive.
Infected Gums
Dental implants themselves can’t get infected, but the gums around them can. One of the effects of gum disease is jawbone erosion, which could make an implant “feel” loose and achy. At the same time, your gums could get irritated if too much cement is placed to secure your implant’s crown.
See a Dentist About Your Implant Sensitivity
Dental implant sensitivity may seem harmless, but it often points to implant failure. You should see your dentist about it to confirm your treatment still works. By closely examining your mouth, they can confirm whether you show failure signs like:
- Obvious oral pain and discomfort
- Tender and inflamed gums
- Difficulty with chewing
- Major gum recession
- Swollen & irritated gums
- Overly-loose implant(s)
Ultimately, don’t ignore your dental implant if it “feels” sensitive. Go see your dental provider for crucial help and treatment!
About the Practice
Daaboul Family, Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry is based in Grapevine, TX. Led by founder Dr. Jason Daaboul, our practice strives to give a great smile to every patient. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your mouth and its specific needs. In fact, we even work with local specialists to place excellent dental implants! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (817)-646-7306.