Ah! What Does Sensitivity in Your Dental Implant Mean?

When you first received dental implants, you were told they won’t feel exactly the same as natural teeth, because they are prosthetic; however, they come as close as you can get to the real thing! Consisting of titanium and porcelain, your replacement teeth shouldn’t leave your mouth feeling strange, so why do you feel sensitivity around your implant now? What could it mean, and what can you do about it? Below you’ll get the answers you’re looking for!

What Causes Sensitivity in a Dental Implant?

As a tooth replacement without a nerve or tendons attached to the bone, your implant shouldn’t come with any sensation at all really. In fact, for the first little while after your implants are restored, you should be careful when eating extremely hot foods because your prosthetic teeth won’t be able to sense the extreme temperature before it burns elsewhere in your mouth.

When you feel sensitivity around your dental implant, it usually indicates that the jawbone tissue supporting the implant is deteriorating and failing. It also could mean that the gums nearby have become infected and bleed easily as a result.

What Are Other Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

Other than sensitivity, signs you should watch out for that could point to implant failure include the following:

• Loose restoration or loose implant itself.
• Red, swollen, or receding gums.
• Challenges biting and chewing.

If you ever notice any of these negative symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. The sooner you catch the issue, the sooner they can correct it and hopefully preserve your dental implant.

How Is Sensitivity in Your Dental Implant Fixed?

If identified and treated early, it may be possible to save your dental implant. If the source of a gum infection is eliminated by cleaning plaque off the cement on the restoration, the implant may be able to stay. In some other cases, however, the best plan will likely consist of removing the implant to allow the bone to heal and trying again with another.

How Can You Prevent Dental Implant Sensitivity and Failure?

You don’t have to wait until you see a problem with your dental implant on your own to defend your restored smile against complications. In fact, you’ve already invested so much that you might as well make the effort to keep your prosthetic teeth in excellent condition. The good news is that maintenance is actually quite simple. You need to brush and floss your implants just like real teeth every day, and having regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist allows them to catch and take care of any early warning signs before further progression.

In the end, sensitivity in a dental implant is not good and shouldn’t be ignored. Take the cue your body is sending you and act quickly. With some treatment and work, you can have a fully functional and healthy dental implant again!

About the Practice

Amherst Dental Group proudly has six top-notch dentists on staff. With their diverse and highly experienced backgrounds, we proudly offer dental implant treatment, including placement and restoration, under one roof. In fact, our patients can enjoy getting a free dental implant consultation in our Williamsville office! Give us a call at 716-689-8882 to schedule your appointment or visit our website here.