I received three dental implants in February. Two of the three dental implants have started to itch. I wonder if this is a symptom of a problem with the implants. They are not loose and they don’t hurt. They just itch. What could be going wrong? Andrew T. from Cincinnati

Andrew –

Thank you for your question. Dr. Tostado would need to examine your implant sites to determine the cause of your symptoms, but we will answer your question in general.

Why Do Dental Implants Itch?

When you first receive dental implants, there are some normal reactions that are part of the healing process. These include:

• Swelling
• Mild to moderate pain
• Itching

The symptoms should improve a week or two after surgery. Your surgery was in February, so itching should not be a recent occurrence.

Why Might You Experience Late or Prolonged Itching?

If you have prolonged itching or itching that begins late in the healing process, report it to your oral surgeon or implant dentist. Irritation or an allergic reaction can cause itching. Your implant dentist will examine the surgical sites, your gum tissue, and the implant fixtures determine what is causing the discomfort.

Schedule an appointment right away. If you are experiencing sensitivity to the dental implants, prompt attention can prevent an infection and other complications.

Dr. Gilberto Tostado, a San Antonio, Texas prosthodontist, sponsors this post.