Feeling Sensitivity in Your Dental Implant? This May Be Why

Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth—and they do it well. Unlike natural teeth, implants aren’t made of sensitive tissue or nerve-filled pulp, so you might be surprised if you start feeling discomfort or sensitivity around one.

So, what gives? While your implant isn’t a “real” tooth, there are a few reasons you might notice unusual sensations—and they’re all worth bringing to your dentist’s attention.

Dental Implant Basics

A dental implant consists of three key parts: a titanium post that fuses with your jawbone, an abutment, and a crown. This structure has no nerves, which means the implant itself shouldn’t be sensitive to hot or cold. However, the tissues around it—your gums, jawbone, and any remaining teeth—can still experience irritation or inflammation.

That’s why if you feel pain, tingling, or pressure in the area of your implant, it usually means something is going on nearby, not inside the implant itself.

Common Causes of Sensitivity Around Implants

1. Gum Irritation or Inflammation

The most common cause of sensitivity is inflammation of the gum tissue around the implant. This could stem from poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to collect and cause infection, or even from brushing too aggressively.

One specific condition, peri-implant mucositis, is similar to gingivitis—it’s an early stage of gum disease that affects the soft tissues around an implant. If left untreated, it could progress into peri-implantitis, a more serious issue that can compromise the implant itself.

2. Implant Placement Issues

If your implant wasn’t placed properly or didn’t fuse completely with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration), it could feel unstable or uncomfortable. In some cases, the implant may be pressing too closely against a nerve or not be properly aligned with the surrounding teeth and bone.

3. Clenching or Grinding (Bruxism)

Even though the implant doesn’t have a nerve, excessive pressure from grinding your teeth at night can still cause soreness in the jaw and surrounding tissues. Over time, this can also affect the implant’s stability or wear down the crown.

4. Sinus or Nerve Issues

For implants placed in the upper jaw, especially near the sinus cavities, any pressure or infection in that area might be mistaken for implant sensitivity. Similarly, nearby nerves that were irritated during placement could cause lingering discomfort.

When to Call Your Dentist

Any kind of pain, pressure, or sensitivity around your dental implant is worth mentioning to your dentist—especially if it’s new, worsening, or accompanied by bleeding or swelling. Early detection can prevent minor issues from turning into serious problems.

Your dentist can assess the situation, check for signs of infection or inflammation, and determine whether any adjustments or treatments are needed to restore your comfort.

Don’t ignore discomfort—your implant is supposed to feel just like a natural tooth, minus the pain!

About the Practice

At Desert Springs Dental in Gilbert, Dr. Condie and our experienced team are committed to helping patients enjoy healthy, lasting smiles with advanced solutions like dental implants. Whether you’re considering implant placement or experiencing discomfort with an existing one, their team provides gentle, personalized care to ensure your treatment is successful from start to finish.

Call us at (480) 780-9080 or request an appointment online.