If you have dental implants, you may think they’ll never give you any trouble. They can’t decay or get infected like “real” teeth – what problems could they possibly cause? However, the truth is that you may end up with dental implant sensitivity at some point. You’d be wise to take it seriously and get quality dental care if it occurs. So, keep reading to learn the causes of sensitive implants and why you should see a dentist about them.
What Causes Dental Implant Sensitivity?
Dental implants are artificial, so they can’t really “feel” things; they lack any nerve endings. Even so, various factors can make the areas around them irritated. These include:
- An Impacted Area – If debris gets wedged between your implant post and natural teeth, you could develop sensitivity. You can look in the mirror for “leftovers” around your implant post to confirm the matter.
- Dental Crowding – A patient will suffer from crowding if a dental implant is placed too close to other teeth. In that case, pressure from the implant post can build and make the nearby area tender.
- Gum Infection – While dental implants never get infected, the gums around them can. Severe gum disease could erode the bone near an implant post, making the prosthetic “feel” achy.
- Nerve Damage – Despite their efforts, a dentist may harm certain nerves during implant placement. The resulting nerve damage can make part of your mouth sensitive.
Why to See a Dentist for Help
In general, dental implant sensitivity won’t go away on its own. You’ll want to see a dentist for proper treatment that can address its source.
When the sensitivity’s cause is less serious, a dentist will often suggest lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms. One example would be twice-daily brushing and flossing to reduce any gum inflammation that’s present. Similarly, they may recommend more frequent checkups (to prevent bacterial buildup) or using a mouthguard (to prevent teeth grinding).
If your sensitivity stems from a harsh cause, the dentist could simply replace your dental implant. Infections, crowding, and impaction can lead to implant failure anyway. By getting a new implant, you’d eliminate your sensitivity and have better treatment results.
In the end, dental implant sensitivity isn’t a problem you should ignore. Consult your dental provider about it so your restored smile works well going forward!
About the Practice
Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall is based in Rockwall, TX. Led by Drs. Spillman and Nguyen, our practice gladly provides families with healthy and thriving smiles. We do so through preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care for severe cases. Our team is even able to place dental implants entirely in-house! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-945-0887.