Dental implants are not real teeth. They’re artificial, which means they’re not porous, so they can’t develop decay or cavities. If this is true, then why are you suddenly experiencing dental sensitivity around one or more of your implant posts? If this seems like a weird situation, you’re not alone. Keep reading to discover three reasons why this might be happening and why you should see a dentist right away.
What Can Cause Dental Implant Sensitivity?
It’s important to recognize that dental implants themselves cannot experience sensitivity; however, the discomfort and irritation you feel is in the area surrounding them. This can be caused by:
- Nerve Damage: You may notice sensitivity if your dental implants were improperly positioned during the placement process. This can negatively affect your nerve pathways, causing additional pain.
- Infected Gum Tissue: A form of gum disease, peri-implantitis, can develop as a result of poor oral hygiene. This can cause sensitivity as well as bone loss, which means your implant can become loose.
- Food Impaction: Depending on what you eat, you might experience sensitivity if a piece of food becomes lodged between your implant and a natural tooth. If left in place, it can begin to irritate your gum tissues and cause discomfort.
When Should You See a Dentist?
As soon as you notice sensitivity or irritation, it’s best to call and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Waiting to see if it will go away on its own can lead to more serious symptoms.
When visiting your dentist for treatment, they will examine your mouth and determine the underlying cause of sensitivity. Based on their findings, they may suggest dental implant salvage if they feel it might be failing. This can include treating a gum infection before performing a bone graft (if you’ve lost density within your jawbone). It might also mean taking antibiotics to address an infection or removing the implant and allowing the tissue to heal before discussing the possibility of reimplantation.
Meeting with your dentist to discuss the reason for your sensitivity as soon as possible is likely to improve your chances of successful treatment. Don’t wait to get the help you need; let a trusted professional repair and improve your smile so you can enjoy a pain-free smile again.
About Grand Dental – Channahon
Do you have dental implants? If so, let the team at Grand Dental – Channahon provide the care and attention your smile needs to stay strong and healthy for a lifetime. Our team of dental experts is well-versed in the potential problems that can occur while living with these prosthetics, including dental sensitivity. If you believe you might be struggling with this type of condition, visit our website or call (815) 240-9009 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to examine your mouth and get you the relief you need.