Dental sensitivity is a concern that many of our patients here at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry have expressed. Whether it is during a preventative dental cleaning or before having veneers placed, there is the chance of temporary sensitivity, but generally, it does not last.
However, some dental procedures are more invasive than others, such as dental implants. Since the post of the implant needs to be surgically placed in the jawbone, this procedure can produce some sensitivity, though it should not last.
But, there are some instances where people have experienced sensitivity at or around their dental implant, and our cosmetic dentist wanted to address those potential causes.
Potential Causes Of Dental Implant Sensitivity
To clarify, dental implants themselves cannot be sensitive, as they are a combination of a metal post, abutment, and porcelain crown. However, the area around the implant can become irritated and sensitive due to a number of issues.
Gum infection – Should a gum infection develop, it can cause issues with your dental implant. For one thing, as periodontal disease progresses, the disease will cause you to lose bone density in your jawbone, which can lead your dental implant to become loose and painful.
Also, there can be gum issues in how your implant is placed. For instance, if there is too much dental cement used to keep the implant crown in place, it can irritate your gums and lead to an infection.
Implant crowding teeth – Sometimes, a dental implant can be placed too close to your other natural teeth, causing uncomfortable crowding. As the pressure from the implant continues, your other teeth can become more sensitive, leading you to feel like the implant itself is sensitive.
Impaction – A simple issue that can cause sensitivity is if food or other particles become impacted between your dental implant and your natural teeth. Something as simple as a kernel of corn can cause a great deal of sensitivity as it irritates your gums and crowds the space between your teeth.
Tissue or nerve damage – Throughout the dental implant implantation process, there is potential for your gum tissue and nerves to become damaged. While the tissue damage can heal, the nerve damage may be permanent, leaving you sensitive in that part of your mouth.
The potential for damage is a significant part of why you want to utilize the dental services of an experienced dentist like ours when you are ready to receive a dental implant.
Allergic reaction – While uncommon, some people are allergic to the titanium alloy that makes up the dental implant post. If you are allergic to the dental post, you may lose your sense of taste, experience swelling gums, and may feel a tingling sensation.
Worst of all, there is potential that if you are feeling sensitivity around the site of your dental implant because the implant is failing. With a failing dental implants, there can be a number of triggers, from your body rejecting the implant to the jawbone dissolving.
Signs Your Dental Implant Is Failing
If you are concerned that your dental implant is failing, there are signs you can look for to confirm your suspicions.
- Inflamed and tender gums
- Receding gums
- Trouble when chewing
- Obvious pain and discomfort
- Swollen gums
- Implant is loose
On the upside, out of the reasons why your dental implant may be sensitive, implant failure is a slim chance. While we do still advise you contact our dentist so that he can check your implant, there is often another trigger for the sensitivity than implant failure.
Reduce Sensitivity And Prevent Failure Of Your Dental Implant
In some cases, the sensitivity and failure of your dental implant are out of your control. However, there are some things you can actively do to protect your dental implant and keep it from becoming sensitive.
- Ensure your diet is rich in calcium to help support your jawbone density.
- Come in for your biannual dental appointments.
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily, and floss at least once a day.
- Anti-bacterial mouthwash can help prevent gum inflammation.
- Use a mouthguard if you struggle with bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Reduce high-sugar foods and drink.
- Cut out nicotine products.
If you have concerns about your dental implant or require other dental services, you can contact us to make an appointment to consult with our experienced dentist.
