Many people experience a metallic taste in their mouth after receiving a dental implant. There are many reasons this might happen, and it can be caused by an allergic reaction to the metal of the implant or from leftover saliva that has not been swallowed. If you have had oral surgery for a dental implant, your dentist may recommend taking medications such as antihistamines before going back to work or school. It is important to understand why these reactions occur to prevent them from happening again in the future!
Metal taste after dental implant surgery is common and typically not a cause for concern. This sensation usually goes away in the weeks following your procedure, but there are steps you can take to get rid of it sooner. If you’re afraid that the metal taste may be due to an infection or other complication, schedule an appointment with your River District Smiles right away!
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small piece of titanium that is surgically placed into the correct position within the bone. Drills and other surgical equipment such as screws or hooks are then used to further secure it into place. The implant is placed into another part of the mouth-either overlying bone on the roof of the mouth (maxilla) or under soft tissues in front of the lower third molars (mandible). Once they are secured in place, titanium screws secure it to your jawbone. The bone cells will grow around them over time and turn them into living tissue, so you have a sturdy foundation for your new tooth! And since metal doesn’t swell when it absorbs water, dental implants are strong enough to sustain chewing forces without breaking.
Implants are designed to replicate the natural look, feel, and function of real ones. Dental implants are lifetime devices that can replace your missing teeth forever. Dental implants “feel” like natural teeth because they integrate with surrounding tissues. Once they’re in place, these implants can function just like natural teeth – supporting healthy speech and chewing abilities, tasting food properly, and looking completely natural.
Why would I have a metal taste after my dental implant?
Metal tastes are sometimes experienced by patients who have dental implants. The metal in the implant is usually titanium, which dissolves in the mouth over time. Our research has found that it can take one to two years before this sensation goes away after dental implants are placed. If you still experience a metal taste after two years, talk to your dentist about taking zinc tablets (around 50 mg every day), which may reduce chewing on these areas within your mouth- like licking an actual coin or eating something metallic tasting.
The metal taste is also a result of the surface materials, for example, different types of stones used to polish the denture and ceramics inlays. Your dental implant will have been treated with a detergent that left an unpleasant taste or smell during the insertion process. You can rinse your mouth after each meal to prevent this from occurring. Soreness may also be bringing about the bad taste sensation you’re experiencing. In this case, stay away from cold drinks and acidic foods, but instead drink warm liquids such as tea or soup. Replace your toothbrush every three months to stop bacteria from building up on its bristles, which could cause tooth decay and a bad feeling when chewing food.
When a dental implant is inserted into the jaw bone, it irritates the nerve endings in that area and can give off a metal taste. With time, this sensation should fade, but ask your dentist for help if it persists.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The metallic taste is just one of the many after-cases when you had a dental implant. A visit to a reputable dental office can help you solve this issue and bring back your comfort. Even with the known side effects of dental implants, many people still choose to have one because of the many benefits it offers.
- Implants are a permanent replacement for a missing tooth or teeth, and they provide a secure foundation for prosthetic teeth.
- Dental implants have retaining screws in the bone at the implant site, as opposed to dentures with loose metal clasps that can’t be cleaned. These screws serve as periodic adjustments that improve the stability of the implant installation with time. If you’re considering dentures because you’ve lost one or more teeth due to an injury or illness, please consider consulting your dentist about dental implants instead!
- In most cases, implants cost less than denture bridges-and this is especially true if many natural teeth are remaining on either side of an arch where tooth loss has occurred.
- There is also an increased swallowing ability, increased chewing efficiency, and improved denture fit.
- Problems with speech can be corrected by installing a dental implant-supported denture if fitted properly.
- Oral infections are also prevented.
Dental implants are becoming more popular in the United States because they can create a strong foundation for one’s teeth. They’re also helpful if you have missing or damaged teeth. However, many people experience a metallic taste in their mouth after receiving an implant, and this may be due to any number of reasons, including oral hygiene habits.
If you find yourself experiencing this unpleasant side effect, it might be worth visiting your dentists so that they can give recommendations on how best to address the issue! Our team at River District Smiles is ready and waiting with expert dental care services.
Visit us today for all your questions about dental implants, oral health maintenance services, cosmetic dentistry options like porcelain veneers or crowns, and many more! We want to help you figure this all out so that you can enjoy your new smile without any interruptions. Let our dentist answer all of your questions about what might be going on inside your mouth post-implantation and offer their advice based off the latest research around these issues.