If you have a dental implant, chances are you’re pretty happy with it. After all, this restoration’s long-term success rate is over ninety-five percent! That said, you might be worried if it’s started to feel a bit sensitive. This symptom is naturally striking, as implants aren’t “real” teeth. Thankfully, your Evanston practice can explain whether your issue is concerning. Read on, then, to learn common causes for sensitivity in a dental implant and why to discuss them with your dentist.
Common Causes of Sensitive Implants
Of course, implants can’t themselves be sensitive — they’re made of unfeeling metal and porcelain. However, the areas around them can become irritated and tender. Common causes of this irritation include:
Crowding
An implant too close to other teeth can cause uncomfortable crowding. When the latter happens, pressure from the prosthetic builds and makes surrounding pearly whites sensitive.
Often enough, pressure from the crowding can lead you to feel like the implant itself is sensitive.
Impaction
If food or debris gets impacted between an implant and natural teeth, it may trigger sensitivity. For instance, even a popcorn kernel can create discomfort by irritating your gums and crowding your teeth.
In case you’re dealing with impaction, look in the mirror to see if any “leftovers” are hanging around your implant.
Tissue Damage
While dentists always strive for precision with implant placement, the process may damage bits of gum tissue and nerves. In that scenario, permanent nerve damage can leave you sensitive in part of your mouth.
Given the potential for tissue and nerve harm, seek out an experienced dentist when receiving an implant.
Gum Infection
Unfortunately, a gum infection could also be the source of a sensitive implant. As this disease progresses, it results in jawbone loss that loosens your restoration. That looseness, in turn, can feel rather painful.
The infected gums don’t have to come from bad hygiene, either. When too much cement is used to keep on an implant crown, it can irritate gum tissue and cause an infection.
Tell Your Dentist About Implant Sensitivity
In some cases, an implant’s sensitivity is a sign that it’s failing. As such, you’ll want to contact your dentist so they can check it out. A solid oral exam will show whether you have other symptoms of implant failure, including:
- Inflamed and tender gums
- Receding gums
- Trouble with chewing
- Obvious pain and discomfort
- Swollen gums
- Implant looseness
Sensitivity in a dental implant requires professional attention. Therefore, see your dentist if and when you ever experience it.
About the Practice
Winning Smile Dental Group is based in Evanston, IL. As led by Drs. Reese, Parker, and Baima, our practice makes teeth both healthy and beautiful. In particular, we perform various procedures that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental care. Our office also offers treatments for gum disease and sleep apnea. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (847)-350-1697.