Dental implants are made to feel like real teeth. They help you chew, smile, and speak with confidence. However, sometimes people feel pain when chewing on a dental implant. This pain can be normal during healing. However, you should never ignore it. Pain while chewing can be a signal that something is wrong.
Read this blog to find out the common causes of dental implant pain, especially when chewing, and when you should see a dentist.
Common Causes of Dental Implant Pain
Here is a list of common causes of dental implant pain:
Infection
One of the most common causes of pain is an infection around the implant. This condition is called peri-implantitis. It happens when bacteria build up around the implant and irritate the gums and bone due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup.
Common signs of infection include red, swollen gums, bleeding, pus, and constant bad taste in the mouth.
Bite Problems or Poor Alignment
Incorrect placement of the implant can cause uneven pressure when you chew. Consistent chewing can cause localized pain. If your bite feels off, see a dentist right away for quick, easy, and effective adjustments.
Loose Implant or Crown
A dental implant can come loose due to injury, wear, or failure of the implant to fuse with the jawbone. This instability can lead to pain when you chew.
Teeth Grinding
People who grind or clench their teeth often put too much pressure on dental implants. This extra force can damage the implant or irritate the surrounding tissues, causing pain while eating.
When Is Pain Normal?
During the healing stage, the bone slowly bonds with the implant. This process is called osseointegration. Pain is considered normal while the implant is still adjusting. You can expect mild soreness, sensitivity, and pain to last a few weeks.
Your dentist will recommend avoiding eating hard and crunchy foods to manage pain during this time. Over-the-counter medicines can be prescribed to reduce the chances of infection and prolonged pain. This is why it is important to follow the aftercare instructions to aid recovery.
How to Prevent Dental Implant Pain
Here is how you can prevent dental implant pain:
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent problems. This includes brushing twice and flossing daily, and using a mouthwash as directed by your dentist.
Avoid Hard Foods
Do not chew hard or sticky foods on the implant side while healing. This helps reduce pressure and pain when chewing.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visit your dentist for routine checkups. They can see if the healing is on track and catch any problems like bone loss, gum disease, or bite issues before they become serious.
When to See a Dentist
You should see a dentist right away if:
- Pain lasts more than two weeks
- Pain gets worse when chewing
- You notice swelling, fever, or pus
- You have a bad taste or smell in your mouth
Final Thoughts
Dental implants should not hurt when chewing. While mild pain during healing is normal, ongoing discomfort is not. Persistent pain while chewing can signal an infection, bite issues, or a loose implant. Then, it should be checked by a dentist.
If you feel sharp and persistent pain in your dental implant while chewing, dentists at Houston Dental Implant & Cosmetic Center can diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Call us at (713) 664-1661 to schedule a visit.