The term “fake teeth” covers dental replacements, including removable appliances (dentures) and fixed restorations (crowns, bridges, implants). A temporary period of soreness is expected as tissues adjust to the new prosthetic. However, persistent, throbbing, or sharp pain lasting longer than a couple of weeks is not normal and signals an underlying problem requiring professional evaluation.
Expected Discomfort Immediately After Placement
Immediate discomfort is universal following the placement of any dental prosthetic. This initial feeling results from tissue manipulation, inflammation, or surgical trauma, especially after implant procedures. For implants, pain and swelling peak within the first 24 to 72 hours. This temporary discomfort is the body’s natural response to healing and should steadily improve within one to two weeks. It is commonly managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Causes of Pain in Removable Dental Appliances
Pain from removable appliances, such as dentures, is primarily mechanical and related to improper fit or pressure on soft tissues. The most frequent cause is localized “sore spots” or ulcers where the hard acrylic base rubs intensely against the gum tissue. This friction occurs when the appliance is not properly adjusted or when the patient is new to wearing a prosthetic.
Over time, the jawbone naturally shrinks after tooth loss (bone resorption). This causes a once well-fitting denture to become loose or misaligned, leading to painful pressure points during chewing. Poor hygiene is another source of pain, allowing bacteria and yeast to build up beneath the plate. This can lead to denture stomatitis (oral candidiasis), resulting in inflammation, redness, and a burning sensation in the covered tissue.
Sources of Ongoing Pain in Fixed Restorations
Fixed restorations (crowns, bridges, and implants) cause pain due to issues related to underlying biological structures. For crowns and bridges, discomfort often stems from a malocclusion, or “high spot,” where the restoration contacts the opposing tooth too forcefully. This excessive pressure can cause jaw pain, headaches, or inflammation of the tooth root ligament.
Failure of the restoration’s seal is another element, allowing microleakage of bacteria under the margin. This can lead to new tooth decay in the remaining natural structure, irritating the nerve and potentially requiring a root canal.
For dental implants, persistent pain often signals peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection affecting the gum and bone around the post. Untreated, this infection causes bone loss and implant instability. Rarely, a lower jaw implant may irritate a nerve, resulting in persistent numbness or chronic pain.
Necessary Steps If Pain Persists
If pain extends beyond the one to two-week recovery period or increases in intensity, it requires professional attention. Persistent pain indicates a mechanical failure, infection, or nerve involvement that will not resolve naturally. Contact your dentist immediately, clearly describing the location, type, and duration of the pain.
If you wear a removable appliance, never attempt to adjust the denture yourself, as this can ruin the fit and complicate professional repair. Signs indicating a spreading infection or abscess warrant urgent dental care to prevent the condition from worsening. These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Noticeable facial swelling
- Pus
- Severe, throbbing pain that prevents sleep