{"id":847,"date":"2024-10-10T06:21:48","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T06:21:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordfamilydentist.com\/blog\/?p=847"},"modified":"2024-10-18T06:22:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T06:22:24","slug":"when-a-dental-implant-feels-sensitive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordfamilydentist.com\/blog\/when-a-dental-implant-feels-sensitive\/","title":{"rendered":"New Tooth Troubles: When a Dental Implant Feels Sensitive"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As lifelike as they may be, dental implants<\/a> aren’t “real” teeth; they don’t decay or get infected like the rest of your smile can. Having said that, what does it mean when a dental implant feels sensitive? The problem can be rather worrying and unexpected if (or when) it crops up. Well, rest assured \u2013 there\u2019s a good explanation for this matter. Here are some common causes of implant sensitivity and why you should discuss them with a dentist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Makes a Dental Implant Sensitive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental implants can\u2019t \u201cfeel\u201d sensitive in themselves \u2013 they\u2019re artificial and lack nerve endings. That said, the areas around them can get irritated in certain cases. The most common causes of such irritation are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tissue Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dentists are careful during dental implant surgery, but the process can sometimes harm gum tissue and nerves. The resulting tissue damage should heal, but any related nerve damage could be lasting and permanent; the latter would leave you sensitive in part of your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crowding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll suffer from unpleasant crowding if a dental implant is placed too close to your other teeth. Pressure from the implant post will build and make the surrounding area tender. In severe instances, such pressure could make you feel like the implant is sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impaction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You could develop sensitivity if food or debris gets impacted between your implant and natural teeth. For example, even a corn kernel can be irritating when it\u2019s tightly wedged into your gums. To see if you have an impaction, look in the mirror for \u201cleftovers\u201d hanging around your implant post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While dental implants don\u2019t get infections, the gums around them still can. A bout of gum disease would cause bone loss in your jaw, leading to your implant post \u201cfeeling\u201d loose and painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, implant placement can also cause other gum issues. Too much cement to secure an implant crown can irritate gums over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Tell Your Dentist About It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your dental implant feels sensitive, there\u2019s a good chance it\u2019s failing. You should see a dentist as soon as possible to confirm whether that\u2019s true. Through a solid oral exam, a dental practice can check you for signs of implant failure like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n