Dental implants do not have nerves. Their material is not porous like regular tooth enamel, so they cannot decay. Then how is it possible that you are experiencing sensitivity in your dental implant? While this might seem like an impossible reality, the truth is that there are several reasons why you may be experiencing this uncomfortable feeling. A local dentist is here to share 4 potential causes of tooth sensitivity in dental implants and what you can do to reduce your risk from the beginning.
4 Reasons Your Dental Implant is Causing Sensitivity
After investing a great deal of time and money into your new smile, the last thing you want to experience is intense pain when trying to eat or drink something hot or cold. Unfortunately, any of the following four reasons might be causing sensitivity in your dental implant:
- Something is stuck between your prosthetic and natural tooth. After eating, it is helpful to immediately floss between your teeth to remove any debris that may be trapped. When food or other particles are left for too long, it can irritate your gums, thus, the feeling of sensitivity.
- Your gums become inflamed as a result of periodontal disease. Should plaque and tartar build around your teeth and gums because of oral hygiene neglect, you will experience soft tissue swelling and irritation, which can lead to painful sensitivity and worsening oral health conditions. If left untreated, it will eventually cause dental implant failure.
- A tooth located near the implant is the sensitive one. Oftentimes, nearby pain can radiate to other areas of the mouth. If a neighboring tooth is actually the issue, your dental implant may feel the effects, causing you to assume your new prosthetic is somehow the problem.
- Potential nerve damage caused by improper placement. If your implant dentist does not position your prosthetic correctly, it can damage the underlying nerves and cause uncomfortable sensitivity and eventually, implant failure.
How to Reduce the Risk of Sensitivity
There are valuable tips to keep in mind when attempting to avoid tooth sensitivity. While you may be free of blame if your tooth was not implanted correctly, other reasons for this unique problem can be prevented if you:
- Maintain optimal oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day but preferably after every meal, and rinsing.
- Wearing a mouthguard if you are active in sports or grind your teeth while you sleep.
- Continue to see your dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Use mouthwash that is designed to combat gum inflammation and sensitivity.
- Quit smoking.
- Adopt healthier eating habits and minimize your consumption of sugars and starches.
If you suddenly begin feeling any pain or discomfort and think it may be your prosthetics, don’t wait to see a dentist for help. However, by committing to taking proper care of your dental implants, you can expect to experience no problems with your new smile.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Song is a Toronto native who completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Believing in giving back, he has volunteered his dental services locally, nationally, and worldwide. When patients arrive at his dental office in Willowbrook complaining of a problem with their dental implant, he and his team work together to identify the root problem. Keeping the individual’s comfort at a top priority, they provide exceptional treatment designed to get patients back to enjoying their new and improved smiles. Contact us at (630) 655-8781 and let us help you better take better care of your custom prosthetics.