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Build Stronger Teeth

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Build Stronger Teeth

Everyone knows the basics of good dental care. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, see your dentist at least twice a year. It sounds simple. But what if you still don’t have strong, healthy teeth? Weak enamel can be a genetic weakness, or it can be caused by other conditions, like Celiac disease. I’ve always had weak enamel, so I started looking into ways that I could increase the strength of my teeth, and found that dietary changes could make a big difference. I started this blog to share my experience, and to talk about other ways you can make your teeth stronger and healthier. There are lots of things that you can do to improve your dental health. You just have to find them.

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Sensitivity After Dental Implant Placement: When You Should See Your Dentist

26 May 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

It's not as though titanium and porcelain are capable of feeling anything. When you have a dental implant, the finished product looks identical to a natural tooth, but it's made up of titanium (the small bolt implanted into your jaw, along with the implant's abutment) and porcelain (the prosthetic tooth connected to the implant via the abutment). So, while it looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth, it's certainly not one. This is why it's strange when your implant experiences sensitivity. How is this even possible?

Temperature Sensitivity

Any temperature sensitivity is likely to be an issue shortly after the implant was installed, if it happens at all. It's not the implant that is sensitive (which isn't possible), but the gingival tissues surrounding the implant, which can still be responsive to certain triggers, even though they've largely healed around the implant. Those experiencing temperature sensitivity centered around their new implant shouldn't be concerned, as this sensitivity will only be temporary. However, it's possible for other types of sensitivity to develop, which must be professionally assessed.

Pressure Sensitivity

If any sensitivity should persist, or if it isn't directly related to the temperature of food and drink, then the issue should be investigated. This is especially relevant with any discomfort that seems to be triggered by bite pressure. Again, it's not the implant that is registering any sensation (remember that it has no nerves or ligaments), and any physical reaction is originating in the tissues surrounding the implant, or the bone anchoring the implant. If an inflammation should develop at the base of your implant, you must see your dentist urgently.

Inflammation Around the Implant Base

Inflammation and discomfort can indicate a localized infection around the implant, known as peri-implantitis. This is a leading cause of implant failure, and quick intervention is necessary. A deep cleaning can often offset the bacterial infection that has developed around the implant, and antibiotics may also be needed. The implant will only be removed as a last resort. Lingering sensitivity, discomfort, and inflammation should be investigated as soon as possible, but don't be alarmed, as the issue isn't necessarily peri-implantitis, and might be something as straightforward as an excessive amount of dental cement used in your restoration work, which has irritated your gingival tissues.

In a nutshell, some temperature sensitivity can be experienced after implant placement, and this should quickly subside. Other types of sensitivity and discomfort can signify a problem that requires professional intervention to preserve your implant.