When your dental implant starts causing discomfort, you must see your dentist in Upland immediately. While some discomfort is expected right after the procedure, persistent or sudden pain could indicate an underlying issue.
Understanding the difference between normal healing pain and a more serious problem is crucial. Let’s break it down in this article.
Normal vs. Abnormal Implant Pain
Like any invasive dental procedure, implant surgery may cause some level of discomfort. And that’s perfectly normal. Typically, this pain subsides within a week or two.
However, if you experience sharp, throbbing pain, worsening discomfort, or pain that starts months after the procedure, your implant may not be healing the way it should be.
Pay attention to when and how the pain occurs.
When you chew and pain starts to manifest, it could be a sign of something deeper, such as improper healing, infection, or even bite misalignment. Now, let’s find out what these signs might mean.
Common Causes of Implant Pain When Chewing
It’s easy to assume that most post-procedure pains are caused by malpractice. But here’s the truth—not all implant pain is your dentist’s mistake. In many cases, the issue develops over time due to physiological factors.
Pain when chewing isn’t random—it’s a signal that something in your body needs attention. The good news? Once you understand what’s causing the discomfort, you can take steps to fix it before it turns into a bigger problem.
Let’s dive into the most common reasons why your implant might be acting up and what you can do about it.
Poor Osseointegration (Failed Bone Fusion)
One of the biggest factors in implant success is osseointegration—the process where your jawbone fuses with the implant post. If this fusion doesn’t occur properly, the implant can remain loose, causing pain when you apply pressure while eating. Smoking, osteoporosis, and poor bone density can increase the risk of failed osseointegration.
If your implant still feels unstable months after surgery, your dentist may need to evaluate whether additional bone grafting or a new implant is necessary.
Bite Misalignment and Occlusal Trauma
Think of your bite like the legs of a table—if one leg is too short or too long, the weight isn’t evenly distributed, causing strain on certain points. Similarly, a misaligned bite puts extra pressure on specific teeth, including your implant, which can lead to discomfort or damage over time.
This is called occlusal trauma, and it happens when the implant isn’t positioned correctly or the crown is slightly too high.
Unlike natural teeth, implants don’t have the cushioning effect of ligaments, meaning they take the full force of chewing if the bite is off. This can lead to pain, discomfort, or even implant failure over time.
Peri-Implantitis (Infection Around the Implant)
Think of peri-implantitis as gum disease, but specifically for dental implants. It occurs when bacteria build up around the implant, leading to inflammation, infection, and potential bone loss. If you notice swelling, redness, bleeding, or a bad taste in your mouth, your implant might be infected. Left untreated, this can cause implant failure.
Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can prevent this, but if peri-implantitis is already present, your dentist may need to perform deep cleaning procedures or prescribe antibiotics.
Gum Recession and Exposed Implant Threads
If your gums start to recede, the implant’s metal post may become exposed, leading to discomfort when chewing. Gum recession can happen due to aggressive brushing, previous gum disease, or improper implant placement. If you start to see part of the implant that was previously covered by gum tissue, it’s time to see us at Upland Dental Practice.
Nerve Damage (Sharp, Persistent Pain)
While rare, implant placement can cause nerve damage. This typically results in persistent pain, tingling, numbness, or an electric-shock-like sensation around the implant area. If you experience prolonged or intense pain that doesn’t subside, your dentist may need to evaluate whether the implant needs to be repositioned or replaced.
Sinus Pressure and Upper Jaw Implants
An implant placed in the upper jaw, particularly near the molars, might be too close to your sinus cavity. This can cause discomfort, a heavy feeling in the face, or pain when chewing. In severe cases, a sinus lift procedure might be required to create more space between the implant and the sinus membrane.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding and Clenching)
Grinding and clenching your teeth at night can put excessive pressure on your implant. Without you realizing it, this can cause pain, microfractures, or even implant failure. If you suspect bruxism, a nightguard can help protect both your natural teeth and your implant from excessive force.
Other Possible Reasons
While some implant-related pain is due to physiological factors, some are considered material, biochemical, and psychological. Here’s what it means.
Temperature Sensitivity & Material Reactions
Some patients notice discomfort when consuming very hot or cold foods. While implants themselves don’t have nerves, the surrounding tissues and bones can still react to temperature changes. Additionally, certain materials used in implants or crowns, such as metal alloys, may conduct heat or cold differently than natural teeth, causing temporary sensitivity.
Medications That Affect Healing & Pain
Certain medications can interfere with implant healing and even contribute to pain. Bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis), blood thinners, and some steroids can slow down bone integration, making the implant more susceptible to failure. If you’re taking any long-term medications, let your dentist know so they can assess whether they could be affecting your implant’s success.
Psychological Factors & Phantom Pain
Some patients experience discomfort even after the implant has fully healed, often due to psychological factors. Phantom tooth pain—where the brain still perceives pain from a missing tooth—can occur. Additionally, anxiety about the implant or past dental trauma can heighten pain perception. Managing stress and discussing any ongoing discomfort with your dentist can help distinguish between physical and psychological causes.
When Should You See a Dentist?
While mild discomfort after surgery is normal, ongoing or worsening pain isn’t something to ignore. If you notice any of the following symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist in Upland California as soon as possible:
- Pain that persists or worsens over time
- Swelling, redness, or pus around the implant
- The implant feels loose or shifts when you chew
- Pain when tapping on the implant
- Numbness or tingling in the area These symptoms could indicate infection, implant instability, or another serious issue that needs professional treatment.
How to Reduce Implant Pain at Home
While waiting for your dental appointment, you can take a few steps to minimize discomfort:
- Saltwater rinses: Help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Soft foods: Stick to foods that don’t require heavy chewing.
- Cold compress: Can help with swelling and pain relief.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Provide temporary relief, but avoid relying on them without knowing the cause of the pain.
Preventing Future Implant Problems
Keeping your dental implant healthy and pain-free requires some effort, but it’s worth it for a long-lasting smile. Here’s how to prevent future issues:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent infection.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups: Your dentist in Upland Dental Practice can catch small issues before they become serious.
- Avoid hard, sticky foods: These can put unnecessary stress on the implant.
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth: Protect your implant from excessive pressure.
Visit Us At Upland Dental Practice
Whether it’s due to bite misalignment, infection, or another underlying issue, getting it checked by our dentist early can prevent serious complications. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment. In most cases, the problem can be diagnosed and treated, allowing you to enjoy your implant comfortably for years to come.
