Dental implants are durable, beautiful replacements for permanent teeth. Though they are virtually indetectable from real teeth, they have many benefits their natural counterparts don’t – namely that they can’t get cavities or stains. But what happens when your dental implant starts feeling sensitive? After all, if they’re not real, they shouldn’t feel anything at all. Here’s why implant sensitivity is the sign of a problem, and what you should do about it!
Why is My Dental Implant Sensitive?
Because dental implants aren’t real teeth, they should not have any feeling whatsoever. If you are experiencing sensitivity around the site or yours, this is a sign of dental implant failure, and an important indication that it’s time to see your dentist.
Other warning signs that your dental implant may be failing include:
- Loosening of the implant
- Red, swollen gums
- Gum recession around the implant
- Problems or pain chewing or biting with the implant
- Discomfort around the implant
In some rare cases, you may experience sensitivity if you are allergic to the cement used on your dental implant crown. This is known as pericementitis. If this condition is caught in time, it is possible that you won’t need to remove the entire implant, just the cement.
In other cases, you may develop a gum infection around the crown which can sometimes be saved by a deep cleaning and treatment with antibiotics. However, if the antibiotics do not help heal the infection, the cause could be implant failure or pericementitis.
What Should I Do if My Dental Implant Becomes Sensitive?
If you are experiencing any changes in the condition of your dental implant, including sensitivity, loosening, pain, or swelling, please reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can be treated, the better. In some cases, you may need to have your dental implant removed so that your jaw can heal and your implant can be reattached at a later time. You may also need to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift before attempting to reattach your implant again.
Remember, because they’re not real teeth, your dental implants should not have any feeling. If you are experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort surrounding them, please reach out to your dentist as soon as possible for help.
About Dr. Baioni
Dr. Nicholas Baioni earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He is a current, active member of both the American Dental Association and the Arkansas Dental Association. If you are experiencing any changes to your oral health surrounding your dental implants, or if you are interested in learning more about whether dental implants are right for you, schedule an appointment with Peak Dental Care by visiting our website or call us today at 479-370-2239.