Dental implants are known for their durability and comfort, making them one of the most popular solutions for missing teeth. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to sometimes experience sensitivity in their dental implant. If this is happening to you, continue reading below. You’ll find a guide to explain potential causes and what you can do to find relief.
Gum Irritation Around Your Dental Implant
One of the most common reasons for implant sensitivity is irritation in the gums surrounding the implant. This can happen due to plaque buildup, improper flossing, or inflammation caused by bacteria. It’s important to realize that even if your tooth doesn’t have any nerve endings, the gums and surrounding teeth do!
What You Can Do: Step up your oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing carefully around your implant. If the irritation continues, schedule a professional cleaning with your dentist. There, your hygienist can help remove any stuck-on plaque or tartar that could be causing the issue.
Bone or Tissue Inflammation
Inflammation can sometimes develop in the underlying bone or other tissues surrounding your dental implant. This condition, known as peri-implantitis, often occurs as the result of accumulated bacteria near your implant site. While the main symptoms are redness, swelling, and tenderness in the area, it can also cause sensitivity, especially if it becomes infected.
What You Can Do: See your dentist immediately if you suspect you may have peri-implantitis. Early treatment can stop the infection from worsening and prevent your dental implant from loosening or failing.
Nerve Damage or Improper Dental Implant Placement
In rare cases, the nerves near your implant site may be affected during surgery, leading to lingering sensitivity. While this is often the result of improper implant placement, there is a small chance for it to occur even with a very precise procedure.
What You Can Do: If sensitivity feels sharp, tingling, or unusual, contact your dentist right away. They can assess whether nerve involvement is contributing to the issue and suggest next steps.
Issues with Adjacent Teeth
Sometimes, sensitivity isn’t coming from the implant itself but from a nearby natural tooth! Cavities, cracked enamel, or gum recession around adjacent teeth can radiate pain that feels like it’s coming from your implant.
What You Can Do: Schedule a checkup to find the source of the sensitivity. If there is a hidden cavity or crack in a neighboring tooth, your dentist can treat it and solve the issue with minimal work.
While sensitivity after dental implant placement is uncommon, it’s not impossible. By knowing the signs to look for and the possible causes of dental implant sensitivity, you can make more informed decisions about your dental health!
About the Practice
Dr. Malcolm J. Murray and Dr. Ahmed Saadoon are your passionate and professional dental team at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. They specialize in dental implants and other personalized treatments to ensure your smile stays strong and healthy. Call (703) 934-5540 to schedule a dental implant consultation with our team or visit our website to view a full menu of services.
