Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their many unique advantages. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, they include a titanium pole that’s embedded into your jawbone to function as a sturdy standalone structure.
However, that doesn’t make them invincible. These restorations are usually incredibly reliable and have a high success rate of more than 90%, but if you’re feeling discomfort, it could point to an underlying issue. Read on to learn 3 reasons for implant sensitivity so you know when to get help!
Cause #1: Infection
Did you know that the number one leading cause of dental implant failure is a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis? Your mouth is full of bacteria, and many of them contribute to oral issues like cavities or periodontal problems. If these harmful germs penetrate the connective tissues around your prosthetic, the ensuing infection can spread to your jawbone and begin eroding the materials.
This leaves the metal support pole without a firm enough foundation to fuse successfully with your jawbone, leading to aches, inflammation, and potentially implant failure. Your dentist will help you identify the extent of the damage and the best way to mend it.
Cause #2: Overcrowding
Your dental implant doesn’t contain nerves like the roots of your teeth, so it technically can’t sense pain. However, your jawbone has plenty of them, and they can become irritated if the titanium pole is placed too closely.
Plus, your prosthetic might be pressing against its neighbors, exerting additional pressure that can cause aches while pushing them out of alignment. Sometimes, orthodontics, like Invisalign, can reposition everything more evenly. This treatment consists of clear plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them to their ideal placements, making enough room for your restoration. Otherwise, in extreme cases, your implant may require extraction and replacement.
Cause #3: Tissue or Nerve Damage
Your dentist will do everything they can to strategically place your dental implant to avoid nerves in neighboring teeth or your jawbone. Still, a nearby nerve sustains damage in rare instances (about 1% of procedures). This type of injury most typically occurs in the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs through the lower jaw. It can cause numbness, tingling, or an altered sensation in your lower lip, gums, or chin.
Pain medication management and surgical intervention can decompress the nerves and relieve the pressure causing discomfort.
Although it’s normal to feel some throbbing when recovering from your procedure, severe or persistent aches that last more than a week warrant a call to your provider!
About the Practice
At Dr. Suzanne Land & Associates, you benefit from a team of dentists who take pride in building relationships with patients to better understand their unique needs. Then, they work together to provide a full range of treatments that can be tailored to meet them. They combine a caring and compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to increase your comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last, including dental implants. If you’re concerned about your restoration, you can request an appointment on the website or call (856) 235-0449.