Many patients in Leesburg have dental implants installed. Dental implants are not “real” teeth, despite their realistic look; unlike the rest of your smile, they are not vulnerable to infection or decay. What does it represent, then, when an artificial tooth feels sensitive? If (or when) the problem develops, it can be rather unexpected and concerning. You can be sure that there is a valid explanation for this issue. Here are a few common causes for implant sensitivity, and if you feel sensitivity in your dental implants, contact a family and cosmetic dentistry in Leesburg, VA.
What should you do if you feel sensitivity in your dental implants?
Since dental implants are artificial and lack nerve endings, they are incapable of “feeling” sensitive on their own. However, in some instances, the surrounding areas may become inflamed. Listed below are the most common causes of this irritation:
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Tissue damage
Although dentists take great care while performing dental implant surgery, nerves, and gum tissue may get damaged. The tissue damage that results should heal, but any accompanying nerve damage may be permanent and long-lasting, leaving you sensitive in a portion of your mouth.
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Crowding
Placing a dental implant too close to the rest of your teeth will cause painful crowding. The surrounding area will become stiff as a result of the implant post’s increasing pressure. In rare cases, this type of pressure might lead you to feel as though the implant is sensitive.
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Impaction
If food particles or dirt get trapped between the implant and your natural teeth, you might get sensitive. Even a grain seed, for example, could irritate your gums if it gets stuck there. Check for “leftovers” around your implant post in the mirror to see whether you have an impaction.
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Gum Disease
The gums around dental implants may get infected even while the implants themselves do not. Your jaw might lose bone due to gum disease, which would make your implant post “feel” uncomfortable and loose.
However, other gum problems may also result from implant placement. Gum irritation can occur over time if an implant crown is attached with too much cement.
Why should you discuss these issues with your dentist?
Your dental implant might be failing if it feels sensitive. To find out if this is true, you should visit a dentist right away. A dental office will check you for symptoms of implant failure with a comprehensive oral examination, such as:
- Inflamed and tender gums
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Obvious discomfort and pain
- Implant looseness
- Trouble chewing
A dental implant’s sensitivity may indicate a severe problem. Visit your dentist to get this checked. That is always the first thing to do because there may be a more significant problem there that could cause more pain, more tooth loss, and possibly implant failure.
Your dentist will eliminate the cavity and possibly perform a root canal to treat decay in nearby teeth. A filling or crown will then be used to fix the damaged structure.
Gum disease can damage both your natural teeth and your implant if left untreated. Plaque and bacteria must be removed from the affected gum tissue. Scaling and root planing are treatments used in more severe situations. In simple terms, scaling is a thorough professional cleaning that removes trapped plaque by getting beneath the gum line. In order to prevent plaque buildup, the dentist will plan the root to make it smoother.
Reducing sensitivity before visiting the dentist
You can lessen your sensitivity in the meantime, even if you have to wait for an appointment. Any remaining discomfort might be much simpler to manage with the right techniques and behaviors. These comprise of:
- Brushing your teeth with a soft bristles toothbrush
- To get rid of food particles, tartar, and debris between your teeth, use your dentist-approved floss.
- Receiving regular exams from your dentist every six months (or more)
- Steer away from acidic and sugary foods
- Giving up harmful behaviors like teeth grinding, chewing ice, and smoking.
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