What to Do If Your Dental Implants Feels Sensitive

You may have experienced tooth sensitivity while drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream, but can you feel tooth sensitivity in your dental implants? Though your dental implants shouldn’t feel sensitive, it can still happen and is a sign that you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Read on to learn what you need to know about dental implants sensitivity and what to do if you experience this uncomfortable sensation.

What Should Dental Implants Feel Like?

Dental implants are replacements for missing tooth roots that bond directly with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. They are widely considered to be the best solution for missing teeth due to their unmatched stability and the fact that they provide the jawbone with the needed stimulation to keep it from corroding.

As incredible as dental implants are, they can’t replace the nerves within a tooth. Though you will still be able to experience sensations like changes in temperature and pressure, you won’t be feeling these in the implant itself. Instead, these sensations will be felt in the teeth and gum tissue surrounding the implant. Otherwise, fully healed dental implants should feel as comfortable and reliable as your natural teeth.

What Causes Dental Implant Sensitivity?

Without nerves at their centers, dental implants can’t feel sensitivity. So, what’s causing that uncomfortable sensation? If you’re experiencing dental implant sensitivity, it’s likely coming from an issue somewhere near the implant, such as:

• Implant site –Problems with dental implants are rare, but they can still happen. If the sensitivity is coming from the implant site itself, it’s likely due to a condition called peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis starts as bacteria that form in the gums around the implant and causes damage to the gums and teeth in a way that’s similar to gum disease. This infection causes inflammation, sensitivity, redness, and puts you at risk of permanent damage.
• Surrounding tissues –The sensitivity could also be coming from cavities, damaged tooth enamel, gum disease, or other problems with surrounding mouth tissue. If one of the teeth next to your dental implant or the gums surrounding it have one of these issues, it may feel like your dental implant is what’s causing the sensitivity.

Sensitivity in the area surrounding your implant could be the result of a simple cavity or something more serious like peri-implantitis. No matter what the problem is, visiting your dentist will allow them to diagnose and treat the problem sooner rather than later so you can start enjoying your new smile to the fullest!

About the Practice

Huntington Beach Periodontics aims to treat patients with the quality care they deserve in their warm, inviting dental office. They offer in-house dental implant services to limit the number of people and locations you need to deal with and so you can enjoy your new and improved smile as soon as possible! Call Huntington Beach Periodontics at (714) 587-9094 or visit their website for more information on what to do about dental implant sensitivity or to schedule an appointment.