8. Altered Bite – Noticing the Changes
When peri-implantitis starts affecting the stability of the dental implant, one of the subtle signs can be an altered bite. This change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that creeps up, making it harder to immediately notice.
An altered bite means that the way your teeth align and come together changes. This can be due to the loss of bone around the implant area or the implant itself starting to lose its initial secure position.
In the initial stages, you might feel a slight discomfort when you bite down or chew your food. It may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s your body signaling that something is not right.
For some, this altered bite can lead to avoiding certain types of food, unconsciously shifting the chewing to the other side of the mouth, or even changing how you speak. These shifts, however small they may seem, have a significant impact on your daily life.
This change in your bite can place additional stress on your other teeth too. It can lead to uneven wear and tear, making them more susceptible to other dental issues.
Over time, this added pressure can lead to further complications, adding more challenges to your oral health. It becomes a cycle that needs immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Addressing an altered bite is crucial. It requires a comprehensive dental evaluation to understand the extent of the issue and to plan the right course of action.
The dentist may need to employ a combination of treatments. These can range from adjusting the bite, stabilizing the implant, to more advanced procedures to address any bone loss. The goal is always to alleviate discomfort and restore function and stability. (8)
