Sensitivity in Dental Implants and How Your Dentist Can Help

After missing teeth for a while, you finally went to your dentist to have them replaced with dental implants. Though they’ve done wonders for your confidence by giving you a complete smile, you noticed some sensitivity while having a cup of coffee this morning. Dental implants have a 95% success rate, so what could be causing this? Read on to learn about different kinds of sensitivity in dental implants as well as what your dentist can do to fix it.

Sensitivity at the Implant Site

If your sensitivity in dental implants stems from the place where they were inserted into the jawbone, this is likely a result of a condition called peri-implantitis. This infection forms in the gums around the implant site and is similar to periodontal disease. Peri-implantitis damages the gums and teeth, which can cause your implants to feel unstable or more sensitive than usual. Symptoms include inflammation, redness, and bone loss.

Sensitivity from the Surrounding Tissues

If the sensitivity in dental implants is in the surrounding mouth tissue, this could be caused by a few things, including:

• Infection – If the gum tissue surrounding a dental implant is infected, it can become swollen and sensitive.
• Cavities or other dental damage –If a tooth next to your implant is decayed, cracked, or has excessively worn enamel, the inner layers of the tooth may become irritated easily.
• Tissue or nerve damage – This is rare, but an implant that has been placed in the incorrect location, at the wrong angle, or at the improper depth can damage the nerves, resulting in sensitivity.
• Allergies – If one’s dental implants are made from titanium, an allergic reaction may cause sensitivity around the surgical site.
• Impacted food – Food that gets caught between a tooth and your dental implant exerts pressure that may lead to sensitivity.

How Your Dentist Can Help

If you’re experiencing sensitivity in dental implants, let your dentist know as soon as you can. If this issue goes untreated, it might worsen and lead to more severe problems, such as dental implant failure. Your dentist can perform an examination of your mouth to determine what’s causing the sensitivity in your dental implants. Fortunately, it’s often the result of minor issues like impacted food or cavities. If the sensitivity is being caused by something more serious, your dentist will work with you to determine the best option to correct the issue.

If you experience sensitivity in dental implants, it shouldn’t be ignored in hopes of the issue correcting itself. Be sure to reach out to your dentist as soon as you notice something is wrong so they can administer the care you need to get your smile back on track!

About the Practice

Experiencing sensitivity in dental implants is never any fun, but the skilled team at Martinez Dentistry is here to help. Led by Dr. Corey Martinez, they can perform a thorough exam of the oral cavity to determine what the issue is. Before you know it, your smile will be as good as new! To make an appointment with Martinez Dentistry or for more information on sensitivity in dental implants, visit their website or call their office at (765) 724-7729.