Whether you’re struggling with one missing tooth or an entire arch, dental implants can beautifully restore your complete smile. To keep them in tip-top shape throughout the years, practicing proper prevention is essential, like visiting your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. But what if you begin to experience sensitivity in your dental implant? Is that considered a dental emergency? Keep reading to learn the potential causes, symptoms of dental implant failure, and when you should call your dentist.
5 Potential Causes of Dental Implant Sensitivity
Since your dental implant isn’t a “real” tooth, you shouldn’t be experiencing any sensitivity. With that being said, there are a few potential reasons you may run into some soreness or discomfort:
- The sensitivity is stemming from the surrounding gums or teeth (sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint the exact location).
- A food particle is lodged between your dental implant and gums.
- Nerve damage.
- An allergic reaction.
- The implant is crowding the surrounding teeth.
5 Symptoms of Dental Implant Failure
With a success rate of 95%, dental implants are considered to be extremely safe. However, it is possible for them to fail. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for common symptoms of dental implant failure, including:
- Swollen, inflamed, or tender gums.
- Receding gums.
- Oral pain.
- Difficulty chewing.
- The implant feels loose.
When to Reach Out to Your Implant Dentist
Immediately following your dental implant procedure, it’s natural to experience some soreness and discomfort. However, once you’ve healed, you shouldn’t feel any sensitivity. So, when the first symptoms arise, take note. If the sensation persists or gets worse, get in touch with your implant dentist. From there, they can inspect the implant and surrounding teeth and gums. If they see anything troubling, like gum inflammation, they can discuss the next best steps to restore your pain-free smile!
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop graduated second in his class from the Emory University School of Dentistry, making his childhood dream of being a dentist a reality! Over the last 30+ years, he has helped countless patients with everything from essential checkups to state-of-the-art dental implants. To continue to provide his patients with only the best, he has completed advanced training at world-renowned institutions, like the Misch International Implant Institute and the Dawson Academy. If you’re struggling with dental implant sensitivity or are interested in finding out if this tooth-replacement option is right for you, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 239-939-7299.