Feeling The Implant?

Is it Normal?

You’ve just had your dental implant placed, and you’re curious about feeling some sort of “poke” or “vibration” through your gum. It’s perfectly normal to feel a little bit different than usual.

The way we understand the world is often based on what we can see, touch, and hear, but our teeth are actually complex structures connected to bone, nerves, and other tissues that extend beyond what we can easily perceive.

So, why do some people feel their implants more than others? It’s a combination of factors: the implant itself, your body’s natural responses, and even your personality!

Let’s delve deeper into the possible reasons behind feeling an implant through your gum.

**Why You Might Feel Your Implant:**

**1. Nerve Stimulation:** The most likely explanation for feeling sensations through your gum is that you’re experiencing stimulation from nearby nerves. Dental implants are designed to fit snugly into your jawbone, and as the implant integrates with your bone over time, it’s not unusual for your body to respond by sending signals through the nerves in your gums.

**2. Tooth Movement:** The process of healing after a dental implant can lead to subtle movements in the surrounding tissues. These shifts might cause you to feel a slight pressure or tingling sensation near the implant site, especially when chewing or engaging in activities that generate force on your teeth.

**3. Implant Material:** The materials used for dental implants can also influence your ability to feel them. While titanium is the most common material due to its biocompatibility and strength, you might notice subtle changes in sensation depending on the implant’s design, surface area, or even the thickness of the crown.

**4. Individual Sensitivity:** Our bodies are unique! Everyone experiences sensations differently. Some people might feel more sensitive than others to stimuli like temperature changes, pressure, or movement near the implant site. It could be a combination of your sensitivity levels and your body’s natural healing process.

Things to Keep in Mind

**Why This Feeling is Normal:**

It’s important to remember that feeling your implant through your gum isn’t necessarily problematic or something to worry about. However, if the sensations are unusual, intense, causing pain, or persist for an extended period of time, it may be worth discussing with your dentist.

**When to Seek Advice:**

If you notice any significant changes in how your implant feels:

• If the sensation is unusually strong or persistent.
• If there’s a change in the gum tissue around the implant site, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding.
• If you experience pain, discomfort, or sensitivity near the implant.

**Rest Assured:**

It’s important to remain calm and understand that healing from a dental implant is a natural process. You may feel your implants as they integrate with your jawbone and heal. This sensation typically improves over time, just like any other part of your body undergoes changes during recovery.

**Your Dentist Is Your Guide:**

The best source for information on feeling your implant is your dentist or oral surgeon. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific case and situation and answer any questions you might have about the process, expected sensations, and maintenance tips.