Did you know that the dental implant procedure has an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%? That means most patients won’t develop complications as long as they follow their provider’s post-operative instructions after their oral surgery.
However, that doesn’t mean there are no risks involved with this treatment. If you’ve noticed tenderness or sensitivity in your new tooth, it could indicate a more serious underlying issue. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential reasons your implant might feel sore and how your dentist can help!
Concern #1: Infected Tissues
Although these restorations tend to be more resilient and longer-lasting than dentures or bridges, they’re not completely impervious to harm. For example, you must continue to brush and floss twice daily to prevent common dental problems, such as peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure.
If you’re feeling achy in your dental implant, you might actually be picking up pain signals from infected gums surrounding it. Bacteria in your mouth can enter the surgical site, causing pain and inflammation in the tissues anchoring it in placed. It’s best to contact your dentist right away so they can ensure that you’re healing as intended following your procedure.
Concern #2: Overcrowding
Although your dentist uses advanced technology to help determine the best possible positioning for your new tooth, it’s still possible that it might trigger discomfort in the nerves of nearby teeth if they’re situated too closely together. This can lead to aches that seem to originate in your implant and make it difficult to pinpoint the source.
Your provider can discuss your symptoms, examine your prosthetic, and may take X-rays or other images as needed to determine if it’s become overcrowded. Then, depending on your circumstances, they might recommend an orthodontic service, such as Invisalign, to shift the teeth around your implant into more comfortable positions.
Concern #3: Nerve Damage
Despite the best intentions, sometimes the post of a dental implant can press painfully on the nerves in your jaw or face. If this is caught within the first few days after placement, there’s a chance your provider can remove or slightly reposition the rod to alleviate your aches.
However, if your jaw has already fully fused with the support pole through osseointegration, they might prescribe medications, such as steroid courses, to help reduce inflammation around the implant site and ease discomfort.
Regardless of the reason for your sore dental implant, your dentist can help identify any underlying issues and provide solutions to help you heal effectively so you can enjoy the many unique advantages of these lifelike replacement teeth.
About the Practice
Patients at Baltimore Dental Arts benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping them build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. Dr. Carlie Ward, Melody Ward, and Devon Conklin collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including in-house dental implant placement and restoration, under one roof to meet your unique needs. Their compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver beautiful, lifelike results intended to last. If your restoration feels sensitive, you can request an appointment on the website or call (410) 372-0202.