After getting a dental implant, it’s not uncommon to feel something different in the area — sometimes even a sensation that the implant or post is pressing against or under the gum. This can lead to concern, especially if it feels unusual or wasn’t expected. In many cases, feeling the implant beneath the gum is part of the normal healing process. However, in some situations, it could indicate an issue like gum recession, implant exposure, or early-stage complications. Knowing how to tell the difference between normal post-op healing and signs of a potential problem is key to protecting your oral health and implant success.
1. What You Might Feel After Dental Implant Surgery
In the days and weeks following dental implant placement, it’s completely normal to experience new sensations in your mouth. Your gums and bone are adjusting to a foreign object, and this healing period can bring a range of feelings that may seem unfamiliar.
Common Post-Surgical Sensations
You may notice tightness, mild pressure, or a dull ache near the implant site — especially during the first week. These symptoms typically improve as the gum tissue heals and inflammation subsides. Some patients report a subtle awareness of the implant, especially when chewing or touching the area with their tongue.
Gum Tissue Settling Around the Implant
As the gum tissue begins to shape itself around the implant or abutment (the connector piece), it can feel like something is just beneath the surface. This is often more noticeable in areas with thinner gum tissue or less soft tissue coverage.
Healing Timeline
- First few days: Swelling and mild discomfort are common.
- 1 to 2 weeks: Gums begin to firm up and tighten around the implant.
- Several weeks to months: The implant integrates with the bone (osseointegration), and any awareness of it usually fades.
While some sensation is expected, sharp pain, growing discomfort, or visible implant parts are not part of normal healing and should be checked.
2. When It’s Normal to Feel the Implant Through the Gum
Not all unusual sensations after implant surgery are cause for concern. In fact, there are specific situations where feeling the implant — or part of it — through the gum is completely normal, especially during the healing phase.
Feeling the Abutment or Implant Slightly Under the Gum
If your dentist has placed a healing abutment (a small metal cap on top of the implant), it may sit just under or slightly above the gumline. Depending on your gum thickness, you might be able to feel its outline with your tongue or finger. This is typically part of the standard healing process.
Thin or Receded Gum Tissue
In patients with naturally thin gum tissue (also known as a thin biotype), it’s more common to feel the shape or contour of the implant underneath. As long as the implant isn’t visibly exposed and there’s no pain, this doesn’t usually indicate a problem.
Tissue Adjusting Around the Implant
During healing, your gums adapt to the new structure beneath them. A sensation of firmness or a slight ridge may be noticed, especially when pressure is applied. These sensations often fade as the tissue stabilizes and the crown or final restoration is placed.
In short, feeling the implant slightly beneath the gum — especially without pain, redness, or swelling — can be a normal part of your body adjusting to the new implant.
3. Signs It May Be a Problem
While some sensation around a dental implant is normal, certain signs can point to potential complications that require professional attention. It’s important to recognize when feeling your implant through the gum is not part of the typical healing process.
Pain or Ongoing Discomfort
If the area remains painful beyond the first 7–10 days or begins to worsen after initially improving, this may indicate infection, tissue irritation, or implant instability.
Swelling or Gum Recession
Visible swelling, redness, or a pulling away of the gum tissue around the implant can be early signs of peri-implantitis (a form of gum disease specific to implants). Gum recession may also expose part of the implant post, making it more noticeable to touch or see.
Visible Implant or Abutment
You should not be able to see the implant screw itself. If you notice a gray or metallic color pushing through the gum — especially if it wasn’t visible before — this may mean the gum is thinning or receding, exposing part of the hardware.
Mobility or Loosening
A properly integrated dental implant should feel completely solid. Any sensation that the implant or crown is loose, shifting, or clicking when touched or chewed on is a red flag and requires immediate evaluation.
Signs of Infection
Watch for persistent bad taste, pus around the implant site, or fever. These may be signs of an infection that could compromise the implant if not treated promptly.
4. What to Do If You’re Concerned
If you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling is normal or a warning sign, it’s always safer to check in with your dental provider. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious complications.
When to Monitor vs. When to Call
- Monitor if you feel mild pressure or awareness of the implant with no pain, swelling, or visible exposure. These sensations often resolve within a few weeks.
- Call your dentist if you notice pain, gum recession, swelling, discharge, or any part of the implant appearing through the gum.
Don’t Skip Follow-Up Appointments
Your post-op checkups are designed to catch issues early, even if you feel fine. X-rays can show how well the implant is integrating with the bone and whether there’s any loss of support beneath the surface.
Possible Solutions Your Dentist May Recommend
- Minor gum recession: May be treated with a soft tissue graft or improved oral hygiene.
- Early-stage infection: Often managed with antibiotics and professional cleaning.
- Exposed or mobile implant: May require surgical intervention or, in rare cases, removal.
Getting ahead of any problems not only protects your implant but also preserves the surrounding bone and gum tissue that support it.
Conclusion
Feeling your dental implant through the gum can be completely normal, especially during the healing phase or if you have thin gum tissue. However, it’s important to pay attention to how that sensation changes over time. If you notice pain, swelling, visible metal, or gum recession, it could signal a problem that needs prompt dental attention. When in doubt, reach out to your provider — early assessment is key to keeping your implant healthy and long-lasting.
