Dental sensitivity in natural teeth is a common complaint; it happens when outside stimuli irritate the inner layers of the teeth, which causes their nerves to send sharp pain signals to the brain. Dental implants, on the other hand, have no nerves. It can be very surprising when one of them starts to feel sensitive! What can cause this issue, and what can you do about it? This blog post explains what you should know.
Where Is the Sensitivity Coming From?
It is important to keep in mind that the human body is a complex network; it is not always simple or easy to figure out the exact origin point of pain and sensitivity. You might feel that your dental implant is sensitive, but since implants are not living tissues, that is technically impossible. Rather, the tissues near the implant are likely to be the source of your discomfort. The problem could be in your gums, jawbone, or a neighboring natural tooth.
Possible Causes of Sensitivity Near a Dental Implant
Here are some possible explanations for sensitivity near a dental implant:
- Infection. When harmful bacteria are allowed to multiply, they can attack the gums and bone around an implant, leading to inflammation, sensitivity, and outright pain.
- Cavities and other dental problems. If one of the teeth near your implant has spots of decay, small cracks, or other types of damage, you might mistake the pain as coming from the implant.
- Impaction. Food debris may get stuck (impacted) between an implant and an adjacent tooth. This can place pressure on your oral tissues and contribute to sensitivity.
- Nerve damage. In rare cases, a dental implant is inserted into the jawbone at an incorrect position. That may lead to nerve damage, which can cause sensitivity and pain.
What Should You Do?
Any new or unpleasant sensations in your mouth are a good reason to call your dentist to request an appointment. Seeking help is especially important if the problem is near one of your implants; without timely treatment, there is a chance that your implant could fail! Plus, receiving prompt care increases the chances that the situation can be addressed via conservative, relatively inexpensive, means.
During your appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth, ask about your symptoms, and probably order some X-rays. After they gather adequate information, they can advise you on your next steps. You might need something simple, such as antibiotics. However, there is also a chance that your implant will need to be removed. After an adequate recovery period, you might be able to get a new one.
Sensitivity near a dental implant can be a big deal! Get in touch with your dentist so you can get back to enjoying a pain-free smile as soon as possible.
Meet the Practice
At Complete Dental Care and Four Corners Family Dentistry in Kent, our team is proud to provide a broad range of services. We work with the best experts in our area to provide comprehensive dental implant care. If you ever believe something is wrong with one of your prosthetic teeth, we are ready to assist you! To learn more about us or to request an appointment, call our friendly team at 253-854-2714.