Dental implants look and feel very similar to natural teeth, but there are some key differences between them. Notably, dental implants do not have any nerves, so unlike your natural teeth, they cannot sense hot or cold temperatures. Despite this fact, some patients report having dental implants that seem sensitive. How can this happen? And what can you do about it? Here’s a closer look at the facts behind dental implant sensitivity.
What Causes Dental Implant Sensitivity?
Despite how it might feel, the sensitivity isn’t really occurring in the implant posts. Narrowing down exactly where discomfort is coming from in your mouth can be tricky. As such, sensitivity in your gums or natural teeth can potentially seem like it’s coming from your dental implants instead.
If you’re experiencing dental implant sensitivity, it could point to any of the following problems:
- An infection of the gum tissue around the implant post.
- Teeth that are being crowded by an implant post that wasn’t placed in exactly the right spot.
- A trapped piece of food that is irritating the gums around the implant.
- An allergic reaction to the material that the implant is made of.
- An implant post that has not successfully bonded with the jaw and could potentially fail.
What to Do About Dental Implant Sensitivity
If your dental implant ever seems sensitive, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can carefully examine the area around the implant post and take any necessary scans in order to determine the underlying problem. After that, they can explain what treatment options are available and put together a plan for alleviating your sensitivity and protecting your oral health.
What Can You Do to Avoid Dental Implant Sensitivity?
There are several steps you can take to minimize your risk for oral health issues that can lead to dental implant sensitivity. For example, you can protect your gums from infection with excellent oral hygiene practices; that means brushing two times a day, flossing once a day, and regularly rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
It’s also important to maintain a diet that promotes a healthy environment for your dental implants. In particular, you should make sure you’re getting plenty of calcium to maintain a strong jawbone that can provide the necessary support to your implant posts.
Finally, it’s important to make a point of visiting your dentist every six months. This will give them the chance to check the area around your dental implant posts for any oral health issues that might be developing. Early diagnosis and intervention can go a long way toward resolving dental problems before they can lead to sensitivity.
A sensitive dental implant is not a problem that you should ignore for too long. The sooner you act, the sooner you can get the relief you deserve while keeping your dental implant and the rest of your smile safe.
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care, we strive to make getting the quality dental treatment your family deserves as easy and stress-free as possible. We care about building trusting relationships with our patients, and you can count on us to always put your well-being first. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, we often recommend sturdy, long-lasting dental implants. If you’re interested in learning more about the dental implant process, you can schedule a consultation at our practice in Kent by visiting our website or calling (253) 854-2714.