Dental implants are designed to feel and function like natural teeth, providing a long-term solution for missing teeth. One of their benefits is that they typically don’t have the same nerve sensitivity as natural teeth. So, if you’re experiencing discomfort or sensitivity around your dental implant, it’s worth paying attention — it could be your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.
Normal Post-Surgery Healing
If you’ve recently had your dental implant placed, some tenderness and sensitivity are completely normal. Your gums and surrounding tissues need time to heal after surgery. This can cause mild soreness, particularly when eating, brushing, or applying pressure near the implant site. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few weeks. If it persists or worsens, your dentist should evaluate it.
Gum Tissue Irritation
Dental implants don’t have nerves, but the surrounding gum tissue does. If your gums become inflamed due to brushing too aggressively, eating hard foods, or irritation from dental work, you might feel sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene and gentle brushing can help prevent gum irritation and keep the tissue healthy.
Bite Misalignment
If your implant crown isn’t perfectly aligned with your bite, it can cause extra pressure when you chew. This uneven force can lead to discomfort or sensitivity in the surrounding tissues and jaw. Your dentist can adjust the crown’s shape and fit to distribute biting forces more evenly.
Peri-Implantitis (Gum Infection Around the Implant)
One of the more serious causes of implant sensitivity is peri-implantitis, an infection in the gum and bone around the implant. Symptoms can include swelling, redness, bleeding gums, and persistent discomfort. Left untreated, peri-implantitis can damage the bone supporting your implant, potentially leading to implant failure.
Bone Loss Around the Implant
Dental implants rely on healthy bone for stability. If bone loss occurs — whether from infection, trauma, or other factors — the implant may become loose or cause discomfort. Regular dental checkups can detect bone changes early, allowing your dentist to take corrective action before the implant is at risk.
Sinus Issues (For Upper Implants)
If your implant is in the upper jaw, close to your sinuses, sinus problems can sometimes cause pressure or discomfort that feels like implant sensitivity. This is more common if sinus lift surgery was performed before implant placement.
What to Do If You Feel Sensitivity
If you notice unusual or persistent sensitivity in your dental implant, don’t ignore it. While mild discomfort after surgery is normal, ongoing or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by your dentist promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent more serious complications.
Dental implants shouldn’t cause ongoing sensitivity once healed. If they do, it’s usually due to gum or bone issues, bite misalignment, or infection, all of which can be addressed if caught early. Staying proactive with dental checkups, practicing good oral hygiene, and listening to your body will help protect your investment and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Jordan Hardin is a Nebraska native and completed his dental degree at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. After graduating, he moved to Amarillo and worked as an associate dentist. Dr. Hardin has stayed current in his field through continuing education coursework and memberships in the American Dental Association and as a Fellow in Implant Dentistry through Implant Pathway’s Dental Implant Continuum. With this kind of specialization and experience in implants, you can trust us to handle your restoration process. Schedule your appointment online or call us at (972) 964-8989.