Why Your Dental Implant Might Be Sensitive

You got one of your teeth replaced with a dental implant a few months ago, and you couldn’t have been happier. Once your crown was placed on top of it, you could finally eat all your favorite foods and smile with confidence once again. But soon, you started feeling sensitivity in the implant tooth. Your teeth have never really been sensitive before, so you’re not really sure what to do. In that case, read this guide on dental implant tooth sensitivity in Southlake.

How Can Your Implant Be Sensitive If It’s Not a Real Tooth?

There are two main reasons why you might be experiencing pain or sensitivity around your implant: either your implant is failing, or you have a gum infection due to too much dental crown cement. In both cases, the bone surrounding the implant could be said to be “dissolving,” resulting in serious discomfort.

What Should You Do About It?

First things first, you should call your dentist in Southlake and let them know over the phone exactly what problems you’re experiencing. That way they can figure out a unique treatment plan to get your implant and your smile back on the right track as soon as possible.

In the case of a failed implant, your dentist may decide to remove and replace the implant. If your sensitivity is due to a gum infection from excess crown cement, the best solution is typically to undergo a minor oral surgery to remove any unnecessary cement from the area. The implant may not need to be removed if the infection is caught in time.

How Can You Prevent Implant Sensitivity?

While there is no way to prevent sensitivity due to too much cement, you can easily keep gum infections at bay by following an excellent oral hygiene routine. Brush your implant crown and the rest of your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Floss between your teeth and around your implant restoration at least once daily. Finally, visit your dentist twice a year. At these appointments, your dentist can check on the status of your dental implants in Southlake and make sure you are free of infection.

If you find yourself experiencing dental implant sensitivity, don’t panic. Simply call your dentist and they should take care of everything else.

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Following that, he opened his practice in Southlake, TX in 1989 and never looked back. He is a Fellow of the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry, demonstrating his dedication to continuing education courses. He is also a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, so he can place as well as restore dental implants. If you find yourself experiencing sensitivity in your implant, visit Dr. Pettigrew’s website or call (817) 481-4888.