Since dental implants aren’t “real” teeth, it’s easy to think they’d never bother a patient. How can they cause problems if they never decay or get infected? With that said, you could quickly be surprised when your implant post suddenly seems sensitive or sore. The good news is that your Greensboro practice is here to help you through the matter. So, read on to learn what can make a dental implant sensitive and why to consult a dentist about it.
What Can Make a Dental Implant Sensitive?
Remember that dental implants can’t really “feel” things; they’re artificial and don’t have nerve endings. Still, the areas around the posts can get irritated at times due to:
Impaction
If debris gets impacted between your implant post and natural teeth, you could develop sensitivity. That’s only natural – even a corn kernel can prove painful when it’s wedged in your gums. To confirm whether you have an impaction, look in the mirror for “leftovers” around your implant post.
Crowding
A patient will suffer from crowding if a dental implant is placed too close to other teeth. Due to that placement, pressure from the implant post can build and make the nearby area tender. The growing force could even make the implant itself “feel” sensitive.
Tissue Damage
Though they strive to be careful, a dentist may harm your gum tissue or nerves during implant placement. Any resulting tissue damage would heal, but nerve damage would be permanent; the latter can make a part of your mouth sensitive.
Gum Infection
Dental implants may never get infected, but the gums around them can. A case of gum disease could erode the bone near an implant post, making the prosthetic “feel” loose and achy. The gums could also be irritated if too much cement is placed to secure an implant crown.
Why Should You Consult a Dentist About It?
When and if you develop a “sensitive” dental implant, your implant post is likely failing. You’ll want to see a dentist as soon as possible to see if that’s true. By closely assessing your mouth, they can check your treatment site for signs of implant failure:
- Obvious pain and discomfort
- Inflamed and tender gums
- Trouble with chewing
- Receding gums
- Swollen gums
- Implant looseness
When something makes your dental implant sensitive, you shouldn’t ignore it. See your dental provider for help – they’ll keep your smile whole!
About the Practice
Lake Oconee Dentistry is based in Greensboro, GA. Led by our wonderful team of dentists, our practice takes a patient-centered approach to dental care. We tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to each visitor’s smile, ensuring the best results possible. Our team even places dental implants in-house so you can get top-tier smile restoration! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (706)-453-1333.