Feeling Dental Implant Discomfort? Here Are Some Probable Causes
If you’ve experienced an implant based dental restoration and are feeling a little discomfort outside of the normal parameters of post surgical recovery there could be underlying reasons why this is happening. These range from serious issues that will need to be addressed by the surgeon who initially fitted your dental implants in Richmond through to more transient discomforts related to the healing process. Of course if anyone who has undergone treatment feels uncomfortable we recommend that they should always speak to their surgeon to be re-examined, but for those searching for information about the process, we’re gong to outline some of the most probable causes of implant distress.
The early stages
Understandably as implant based restorations require surgical procedures there will be a slight element of discomfort post surgery. However most people report being ‘back to normal’ within 10-14 days. Therefore if discomfort lingers after this period or indeed increases, it may be caused by underlying problems which can include:
- Infections – If you have gum inflammation and/or a bad taste coming from the implant site, then you could have an infection in the implant
- Pressure from a temporary tooth – Temporary crowns are fitted purely for cosmetic purposes during the healing process and at times they can irritate the implant site causing mild discomfort
- Nerve damage – if an implant has been placed too close to a nerve it could cause temporary or even permanent nerve damage. Symptoms include tingling of the chin, gums, lips, or face which may also be painful to touch
- Sinus problems – These occur when implants are placed into the upper jaw and have protruded into the sinus cavity.
- Failure to osseointegrate – When an implant fails to bond with the surrounding bone tissue it can cause pain and discomfort as it moves about.
Further on down the line
If you feel pain or discomfort months or sometimes years after your implant surgery there are a number of potential causes. These include:
- Poorly fitting crowns – If your crown or crowns are too big or just don’t fit properly, they can put pressure on the implant itself causing lingering pain
- Worn or damaged prosthetics – If you’ve had your implants in place for some time (usually ten years or more) your porcelain crowns can be prone to wear and tear. A damaged or worn crown has the ability to alter your natural bite, which can in turn cause pain as unnecessary pressure is placed on the implant site.
- Peri-implantitis – This is similar to gum disease in natural teeth and effects the implant in pretty much the same way. When peri-implantitis takes hold, it attacks the gum line surrounding the implant. This undermines the site causing it to become loose and very often painful.
- Implant fracture – Implants are made from titanium so implant fractures are uncommon but they an happen. Especially if they’ve been poorly placed, or undergone excessive pressure from an ill-fitting crown.
At Sheen Dental we recommend that whatever stage of the process you are at, if you feel any discomfort outside of the normal realms of surgical recovery, then always seek advice. To find out more about dental implants in Richmond and how they can change your life why not visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk where you can find a wealth of information.
Alternatively if you’re still unsure about whether dental implants are the right choice for you then contact us on 020 8876 5277and book yourself a free, no-obligation consultation with Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team. During the consultation you can get all your questions and concerns answered allowing you to make a fully informed decision about your future dental health.