A dental implant is considered among the most reliable tooth restoration procedures, with long-standing performance. However, pain when you chew something after a dental implant is not very uncommon. It can be a major concern for patients and hinder their daily activities. There are many potential causes, and that can make patients nervous. However, you can rest easy knowing that the best dental implant dentist from Upper East Dental Innovations can help you get your implant fixed. Here is all you need to know to identify the causes of pain from your dental implant.
Symptoms that show your dental implant may hurt when chewing
A dental implant is a delicate process. Part of the success also depends on aftercare. So, in the initial stage before the procedure, you need to look for any sign that may hurt you while chewing, leading to implant failure. Here are some symptoms you may look out for.
Teeth grinding
This is a symptom that you’ll notice quite late after the procedure. Stress is a very common reason, but if you are stress-free and still grinding with a dental implant, it’s probably a misaligned implant waiting to fail. Grinding usually starts with pressure on the implant, leading to gum and jawbone pain. As a result, it may hurt when you chew. If you notice persistent teeth grinding, especially without any stress-related triggers, it’s essential to consult your dentist immediately.
Allergic reaction
Dental implants are made of titanium and may act as an allergen to some patients. This allergic reaction can lead to redness and swelling on the gum or sometimes a tingling sensation at the incision. These indications can mean the patient’s body is rejecting the implant because of hypersensitivity. Eventually, it’ll lead to implant failure and hurt while chewing. If you experience any of these symptoms after a dental implant, seek medical attention or consult with your dentist without delay.
Implant loosening
Dental implants can get loose for two reasons. Either the implant wasn’t placed right, or there was a gum infection. Either way, implants loosening or shifting can lead to failure and hurt. Slight implant movement with pain or discomfort is a key sign of implants getting loose. It’s crucial to visit your dentist promptly if you feel any movement or discomfort from your implant.
Swollen gums
If you ever notice your gum swollen, especially around the implant, it means the implant may hurt when you chew. This swelling may also indicate that the pocket depth of the implants has increased, and it’s likely to get infectious. Always consult with your dentist if you observe gum swelling, especially around the implant site.
Receding gum
Gum recessions are primarily the result of poor dental implantation. If the implantation is near the gum wall or placed in a tilted position, gum recession may occur. In that case, the crown will be abnormally visible as the gum around has receded. Eventually, the implant can hurt due to this recession. If you notice gum recession or any other irregularities, it’s wise to consult with your dentist right away.
Slow healing
Slow healing may often indicate an underlying dental implant problem. There are several reasons, like poor diet, alcohol, or smoking, which can increase the recovery time. If the usual healing period is over and you are not fully recovered, the implant can hurt when you chew. A prolonged healing process should be a cue to revisit your dentist for an assessment.
What are the causes behind dental implant hurting?
While a slight discomfort is reasonable after you get a dental implant, continuous pain whenever you chew can be concerning. Let’s discuss some reasons why your implant hurts when you chew.
Misaligned implant
Misalignment of implants can hurt in different ways when you chew. Misalignment can occur when the implant hasn’t been installed properly due to various reasons, including complex dental anatomy or bone structure. So, when you chew, the implant gets pressed further into the jawbone, causing pain. Also, if the implant isn’t aligned correctly between two healthy teeth, it can damage the neighbour’s teeth and hurt when you chew. It’s crucial to consult with your dentist promptly. They may assess the positioning and decide on the best corrective approach.
Infection
An infection known as “Peri-Implantitis” is common around dental implants. This infection originates from bacteria that build up on the gum and eventually invade the bloodstream. While implant infection can cause issues like bad breath, implant movement, bleeding and, severe pain when chewing is a major one. Maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent infection. If you suspect an infection, seek consultation with your dental professional for guidance.
Nerve damage
Dental implants are designed to integrate seamlessly into the jaw without any nerve connection. However, a nerve in the jawbone might get compromised during the procedure in rare cases. However, in rare cases, the nerve located in the lower jawbone may get damaged during the surgery. If that’s the case, the implant will hurt when you chew and may continue to do so until the nerve heals. If you suspect nerve damage, it’s crucial to revisit your dentist. They can provide further insights and suggest potential solutions.
Incision Opening
This is another issue that can follow immediately after implantation is complete. In some cases, the tissues surrounding the implant site may not heal as expected, and the incision may open up. That incision opening may cause discomfort, irritation, and pain when you chew something. Keep the area clean to prevent infection. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to evaluate the incision and recommend appropriate care.
How can you prevent dental implant pain?
The initial pain and discomfort after a dental implant can be annoying. There are several methods commonly used to manage this pain.
Pain Medication
The dentist may prescribe some pain medication to deal with the post-implantation pain. Even if he doesn’t, you can use over-the-counter pain-relieving drugs to deal with the pain. Before taking any medication, always consult with your dentist or healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and won’t interfere with the healing process.
Cold Compress
You can apply ice packs, over a cloth or towel, around your face, especially near the implant area, to help manage swelling. The ice packs reduce the temperature and calm down the nerves. This technique is most effective for the first few days after dental implantation. You can continue the application at 20-30 minute intervals. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin. If swelling or pain persists, it’s essential to seek advice from your dentist.
Change Your Diet
It takes time for the underlying tissues to adapt to the anchoring screw. It’s recommended to avoid solid foods during the initial recovery phase, to minimize pressure on the implant. Instead, dentists usually recommend soft and liquid foods during recovery to prevent pain and stress on the implant. Everyone’s recovery is unique. If you experience any issues while eating, or if the pain continues, consult with your dentist to ensure the implant is healing correctly.
Avoid Drinking and Smoking
After the implantation is complete, the blood flow mostly heals. So, optimum blood flow is crucial for quick recovery. However, if the patient smokes or consumes alcohol, it may hinder the blood flow, and the pain may remain. If you choose to smoke or drink, discuss the potential risks with your dentist and ensure regular check-ups.
Why should you visit Upper East Dental Innovations?
Upper East Dental Innovations offers you the perfect blend of innovation and experience that can provide better Dental Implants NYC outcomes than any. Here, expert dentists communicate thoroughly about the treatment, diagnosis, and preventive measures so that you get the best treatment possible.
Any dental restoration can get tricky, and you need to choose an experienced dentist like Dr Harvey at Upper East Dental Innovations to give you the proper treatment. If you live in New York and search for a Dental Implant Dentist Near Me, you’ll find Upper East Dental Innovations to provide the best restoration service. To get in touch, call 212-697-1701 and make an appointment.
FAQs
Q: How long do dental implants last?
A: The longevity of tooth implants varies from person to person. Good health and oral hygiene are essential to maintain longevity. A dental implant done properly may last up to 20 years or more.
Q: Is pain normal after having a tooth implant?
A: A dental implant is a surgical procedure of drilling a tooth post in your jawbone. Though anesthesia is used, some degree of pain, discomfort, and swelling is expected. However, this swelling typically subsides with medications, aftercare, and time.
Q: How common are dental implant issues?
A: Dental implants have a success rate of 90% – 95%, making them so popular. However, occasionally, complications may arise, like post-operative infection. They can be addressed easily with appropriate care and treatment.
Final Thoughts
It’s common for patients to experience some discomfort after a dental implant procedure, and it usually subsides within a few days. However, if discomfort continues beyond the expected recovery period, we recommend to consult with an implant specialist.
Whether you are looking for a new implant or treating your current dental implant, Upper East Dental Innovations has the expertise and dedication to help relieve your pain and restore your smile.
