Sensitivity in natural teeth is a common occurrence. It occurs when outside stimuli, like temperature changes, irritate the inner layers of the teeth, causing the nerves in the teeth to send out pain signals. Dental implants have no nerves, so if you start to feel sensitivity in one of yours, you may wonder why! What could be causing this issue? Continue reading to discover some relevant information.

Where Is the Sensitivity Coming From?

Your body is a complex network of tissues, which are constantly sharing sensory information. It may be difficult to pinpoint the true origin of sensitivity and pain! You may feel like your dental implant is experiencing sensitivity, but that is actually impossible. Rather, the pain may be coming from nearby tissues, such as your gums, jawbone, or a natural tooth.

Possible Causes of Sensitivity Near a Dental Implant

Reasons for sensitivity near a dental implant include:

• Infection: Bacteria can cause infections around the implant, leading to inflammation and sensitivity.
• Dental damage: Damage to nearby teeth, such as a cavity, crack, or chip, may be mistaken for discomfort in a dental implant.
• Impaction: Food stuck between an implant and a tooth can place pressure on the surrounding tissue, leading to sensitivity and pain.
• Nerve damage: Incorrect placement of an implant can damage nerves, resulting in discomfort and sensitivity. (This is a rare occurrence. In most cases, dental implant placement is both precise and successful.)

What Should You Do?

Any time you experience new or worsening dental sensitivity, it is wise to seek professional care. Doing so is especially important if the problem is near one of your dental implants. There is a chance that the implant could fail! The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely it is that your dentist can correct the issue without invasive or expensive procedures.

During your appointment, your dentist will perform a visual examination of your oral tissues, possibly order X-rays, and talk to you to learn about your symptoms. After gathering enough information, your dentist will recommend your next steps. You may need something relatively simple, like a course of antibiotics. However, there is also a chance that more extensive treatment will be necessary. In some cases, complete removal of a failing implant is the best course of action. Later, it may be possible to replace it with a new one.

Sensitivity close to a dental implant should not be ignored or dismissed as a minor issue! Seek timely care so you can get back to enjoying a healthy smile ASAP.

Meet the Practice

At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we proudly offer a range of dental implant services, including salvage treatment for failing dental implants. If you are concerned about the health of one of your prosthetic teeth, we are ready to evaluate the situation and advise you on your next steps. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our team at 860-263-0441.