My Dental Implant Doesn’t Have Nerves, So Why Does It Feel Sensitive?

The dental community holds dental implants to be the best way to replace lost teeth because they look, feel, and work just like the real thing. This allows them to provide a wealth of physical and psychological health benefits that traditional restorations cannot deliver. While implants are incredibly lifelike, they do not possess the nerves necessary to send discomfort signals to the brain, so it might seem strange if your new teeth feel sensitive. Here’s why this can happen and how the problem can be addressed.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant consists of a titanium piece that is surgically inserted into the bone tissue, a lifelike dental restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture, and a small abutment piece securely connecting the two together. Since titanium naturally bonds with bone structure through the process of osseointegration, these prosthetic devices offer long lifespans and superior chewing power that traditional restorations cannot match. However, healthy dental implants should not seem sensitive since they do not have nerves.

Why Does My Dental Implant Seem Sensitive?

While the human nervous system is an incredibly complex, intricate, and beautiful thing, its pain signals are often not precise enough for a person to be able to tell exactly where their discomfort is coming from. If the gum tissue or natural teeth surrounding a dental implant become infected, injured, or otherwise distressed, it may seem like the implant itself is uncomfortable. While this isn’t always an emergency situation, it may be a sign of a failing implant in some cases.

What Should I Do If My Dental Implant Seems Sensitive?

The best thing to do if your dental implant seems sensitive is to call your dentist so you can describe the situation, receive advice on how to manage it, and be scheduled for an appointment. You can help keep yourself comfortable until your scheduled time by avoiding chewing with the troubled implant, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and rinsing with a solution of one teaspoon of salt and one cup of water.

Sensitivity around a dental implant may be a sign of gum disease, dental injury, or even implant failure. Getting the help of a dental professional can help you keep your smile beautiful and functional for many years to come.

About the Practice

Marble Dental McKinney offers exceptional oral health services to patients of all ages. Led by Drs. Zack Hegazin and Muna Koro, the staff ensures that each patient receives outstanding courtesy and compassionate treatment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. If your implant seems sensitive, contact the office online or dial (214) 592-0441.