Did you know that dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%? These restorations are typically so sturdy they’re often considered the best replacement for missing teeth. Plus, they’re the only option embedded into your jawbone, providing unique advantages over alternatives like dental bridges or dentures.
However, that doesn’t mean they are invincible! A sore prosthetic can have several potential underlying causes, and some are more urgent than others. Continue reading to learn about 3 possible reasons for an aching implant so you know when to seek help!
Reason #1: Infected Gums
Dental implants typically include a titanium rod that’s surgically placed in your jaw, which eventually generates enough new bone growth to fuse with the metal. That means it’s a permanent part of your smile that’s difficult to dislodge.
Unfortunately, it’s still possible to develop an infection that can harm your new tooth. The number one leading cause of failure is a pervasive form of gum disease, called peri-implantitis, that can spread to your jawbone and erode the materials holding the metal pole in place. This disease can also cause inflammation and irritation that can leave you feeling achy. It’s essential to be seen right away to address the infection before you lose your implant.
Reason #2: Overcrowding
Your dentist uses state-of-the-art equipment to increase the accuracy of your implant placement, but even so, it can start to hurt if it becomes overcrowded. For instance, if it’s placed too closely to neighboring teeth, it can trigger aches in their nerves. You might also experience persistent pain if the titanium rod is pressing against the nerves in your jawbone; this is known to cause numbness, tingling, or aches in your gums, tongue, chin, or lips.
Depending on your circumstances, your dentist might suggest medications to manage your discomfort. Otherwise, you might need to undergo an additional surgical procedure to repair the damaged nerve or remove your restoration.
Reason #3: Stuck Object
Your dental implant becomes a permanent part of your mouth to function like a natural tooth. Unfortunately, that means it’s possible for small bits of food or other debris to become lodged tightly between your prosthetic and a neighboring tooth. This can cause irritation that won’t subside until the item is removed.
You can try rinsing your mouth with water or flossing to loosen whatever has become trapped. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to contact your dentist for help rather than keep trying to fix the issue on your own. You might inadvertently injure your restoration, teeth, or gums if you use utensils or other household appliances to try to get it out.
If you have any questions about the condition of your dental implant, the safest course of action is to contact your dentist for an appointment.
Meet the Author
Dr. Mohannad Abboushi enjoys helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from New York University and has achieved certification in ABLS laser therapy, Invisalign, and dental implants through Hoissen. Today, he offers a wide range of services to meet all your family’s needs conveniently under one roof, including replacing missing teeth. He combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the implant process in the office, including surgery, to streamline your experience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (973) 250-6400.