One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they have the look, strength, and durability of real teeth, but they can’t get cavities. However, you’re feeling sensitivity and pain in your implant every time you bite down or chew—what’s happening? Is something wrong with the implant? Does it need to be replaced? Is this just how it is with implants? Keep reading to get the answers to these questions and many more.
What Causes Dental Implant Sensitivity?
With a natural tooth, dental sensitivity occurs because the internal nerve is being exposed to temperatures or pressure that it’s not used to, typically due to thinned enamel. Implanted teeth don’t have nerves or enamel, so what’s the problem? It usually comes down to one of four issues:
- Infection: If harmful bacteria invade the tissue surrounding a dental implant, it can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and heightened sensitivity.
- Dental Damage or Cavities: Sometimes, cavities or cracks in teeth adjacent to the implant can cause pain that’s easily mistaken for implant-related sensitivity.
- Food Impaction: Bits of food can become trapped between the implant and neighboring teeth, creating pressure on the surrounding gums and leading to tenderness.
- Nerve Irritation: In rare cases, if an implant is positioned incorrectly—whether too deep, at the wrong angle, or in the wrong spot—it can irritate nearby nerves, resulting in persistent pain or sensitivity.
What Should You Do?
Start by flossing and rinsing the area thoroughly, and if this doesn’t make the sensitivity go away, then it’s time to call your dental implant dentist in Massapequa.
They’ll ask you about your symptoms, examine the area, and take X-rays so they can figure out exactly what is going on. Depending on your situation, you may be prescribed antibiotics to deal with a minor infection, or they might recommend a deep cleaning of the area. There is also a small chance that the implant will need to be removed and/or replaced so that all damage or infection can be treated directly.
Don’t Wait!
After you’ve tried cleaning the area yourself, if nothing changes, then you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. All potential causes of sensitivity will only get worse over time, some to the point that they could actually lead to the implant failing!
Thankfully, while moving quickly is recommended, this won’t happen overnight. A quick trip to the dentist is the most direct and simple way to make your implant sensitivity go and STAY away.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr has dedicated his career to serving the Massapequa Park community for the last 30+ years and is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished dentists in the country. In demand as a trainer, speaker, and educator, his favorite thing to do is help his patients achieve the smiles of their dreams, and he has enabled countless people to do just that using dental implants.
If you’re currently dealing with pain or sensitivity in your dental implant, get the relief you need by reaching out to Dr. Mohr–click here or call (516) 541-7344.