You might benefit from dental implants if you’re looking for a reliable way to replace your missing teeth. These restorations are the only ones surgically embedded into your jawbone, which provides unique advantages over other options, like dentures or dental bridges.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible from harm. If your new tooth feels sensitive, it’s only natural to wonder what’s causing it and how to address it. Keep reading to learn why this sometimes happens and how your dentist can help!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants consist of three parts: the titanium rod that’s inserted into your jaw, the metal abutment, and the tooth-colored cap that attaches to it. Once the support pole is surgically placed, your jawbone fuses with it in a process called osseointegration. This is what gives these prosthetics the strength and stability they’re famous for.
Once you’ve healed, your dentist places a dental crown customized to match your natural teeth and gums for a seamless smile. The result is a lifelike replacement tooth that looks and feels like the ones you were born with to restore your grin’s functionality and appearance.
What Causes Dental Implant Sensitivity?
Your dental implant doesn’t contain organic nerves like the roots of your teeth, so if yours feels tender, it’s likely not the prosthetic itself that hurts. It’s more likely that something has happened to the connective or bone tissues surrounding it.
For instance, if bacteria penetrate the tissues around the titanium, they can infect your gums and cause aches and inflammation that progressively worsen the longer they go unaddressed. If you wait too long, you could develop peri-implantitis, which is the number one leading cause of implant failure.
It’s also possible that your restoration was placed too close to your natural teeth, which can cause uncomfortable overcrowding. Furthermore, the metal pole could be pressing against a nerve in your jaw, leading to an unpleasant sensation on that side of your mouth.
How Do I Know If My Implant Is Failing?
An aching dental implant can point to a more serious underlying issue that requires professional intervention. Some potential signs that your dentist may need to repair or replace it can include:
- Inflamed, tender, or receding gums.
- Trouble chewing or biting down.
- Persistent or severe pain.
- Wiggling or a loose sensation in your implant.
If you’re unsure whether your prosthetic is having problems, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact your oral healthcare provider for an appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Jordan has 10+ years of experience providing a wide array of services under one roof to meet all your dental needs, including implants. He earned his dental degree from Pacific University in San Francisco and then completed his residency in Seattle, WA. He understands the connection between your oral and overall health and strives to enhance your quality of life by improving your dental condition. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 306-2273.