When receiving your dental implants, the last thing you should expect to experience is sensitivity. After all, these prosthetics are not real teeth, so how can extreme temperatures trigger sudden discomfort? It’s not a feeling you want to experience for any length of time, so if you find yourself in this situation, learn what might be the cause and when you should see your dentist for help.
Why is Your Dental Implant Sensitive?
When you initially have your dental implants placed, you can expect mild sensitivity that will dissipate over time. This is natural when undergoing oral surgery. However, as time passes, you should no longer experience this problem, so if you do, it might be that:
- You’ve developed a gum infection caused by accumulating bacteria that attack the soft oral tissues around your dental implant. If left untreated, it can turn into peri-implantitis and negatively affect your jawbone, causing your new tooth or teeth to fail.
- Your dental implants were improperly placed. When seated too close to other teeth, it can become crowded, making eating more uncomfortable.
- You’ve developed nerve damage during the placement process. When your implants are seated in the jawbone, the procedure can damage the nearby tissue and nerve. Even if the tissue heals, the nerve may continue to cause sensitivity over time.
- A lodged object may irritate your dental implant. For example, certain foods can become trapped between your implants and natural teeth, eventually causing sensitivity.
What Can You Do to Reduce Sensitivity?
You cannot always prevent dental implant sensitivity, especially if it is due to a placement issue, but you can take steps to reduce your risk and keep your new teeth in place. For example, you can:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day to lower your chances of developing decay, cavities, and gum disease.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports or if you grind your teeth at night.
- Reduce your risk of gum inflammation by using an ADA-approved mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings.
- Eat a diet rich in calcium-based foods and limit your consumption of sugars and starches.
- Give up smoking and using all tobacco products.
If you notice your sensitivity worsening or not improving over time, make sure to call your dentist and schedule an appointment. They can evaluate the affected space and recommend appropriate treatment (such as gum disease treatment) to improve the situation, so you can continue to enjoy life with your new smile.
About the Practice
At Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth, our team of general dentists is here to answer questions, address concerns, and deliver fast, effective care when a problem occurs. Bringing years of experience to the office each day, we offer a range of treatment options to help individuals with all types of oral health problems, including dental implant sensitivity. If you’re unsure what might be causing this discomfort, visit our website or call (516) 431–5855 to schedule an appointment.