Getting a dental implant can be a big step towards having a beautiful smile and healthy teeth. But what happens if your dental implant hurts when you chew? It can be worrying and uncomfortable. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this and discover ways to improve your well-being.
Why Does My Dental Implant Hurt?
There are several reasons why you feel hurt when you chew with your dental implants near you. Here are some common ones:
1. Healing Process
After getting a dental implant, your body needs time to heal. It can take several months. During this healing time, it’s normal to feel some discomfort, especially when chewing. The implant is getting used to its new home in your mouth.
2. Infection
Sometimes, the area around the dental implant can get infected. It is called peri-implantitis. It happens when bacteria build up around the implant. It can cause swelling, redness, and pain. If you suspect you have an infection, it’s crucial to visit your dentist immediately.
3. Poor Fit
If the dental implant or the crown (the part that looks like a tooth) doesn’t fit well, it can cause pain. It can happen if the implant moves slightly out of place or the crown is too high. When you chew, this poor fit can put too much pressure on the implant, causing discomfort.
4. Gum Problems
Sometimes, the gums around the implant can become inflamed or irritated. It can happen if you don’t clean the area properly. Gums that are swollen or bleeding can make chewing painful and also compromise dental implant benefits.
5. Nerve Damage
In rare cases, the dental implant might be placed too close to a nerve. It can cause a sharp, shooting pain when you chew. If you experience this kind of pain, you should contact your dentist immediately.
What Can I Do About It?
If your dental implant hurts when you chew, there are several things you can do to help ease the pain:
1. Visit Your Dentist
Your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can check your implant and figure out why it’s hurting. They might take X-rays to see if the implant is in the right place and to check for any signs of infection.
2. Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is very important, especially around your dental implant. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep germs away.
3. Soft Foods
While your implant is healing or if it’s causing pain, try eating soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup can be good choices. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can put extra pressure on the implant.
4. Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle, and talk to your dentist if you have any questions about taking these medicines.
5. Avoid Bad Habits
Chewing on ice, biting your nails, or using your teeth to open packages can all damage your dental implant and make it hurt more. Try to avoid these habits to protect your dental implant’s health.
6. Regular Check-ups
Keep up with regular dental check-ups. Your dentist will monitor your dental implant and make sure everything is healing properly. They can catch any problems early and help you avoid pain.
7. Use a Night Guard
Grinding your teeth at night can put a lot of pressure on your dental implant. Your dentist might recommend a night guard to protect your teeth and implants while you sleep.
Final Words
A dental implant can be a great way to replace missing teeth and improve your smile. But if it hurts when you chew, it’s important to find out why and take steps to fix it. Always talk to your dentist in Yaletown if you have any concerns about your dental implant.
Remember, it’s normal to have some discomfort after getting a dental implant, but if the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, don’t ignore it. There are many ways to make sure your dental implant feels as good as new, so you can enjoy eating and smiling without any worries. Abba Dental can guide you through dental implant mishaps and help you cure them in no time.