Is It Normal for Implants to Feel Taller at First

**Is It Normal for Implants to Feel Taller at First?**

When you’ve just had a dental implant procedure, it’s common to notice that the new tooth might feel a bit “taller” than the rest of your teeth. Many people living in Thailand — whether in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket — have shared similar experiences after their implant surgery. If you’ve just had an implant placed and you feel that slight difference in height, you’re not alone. In fact, this sensation can be part of the normal adjustment process.

### Why Implants May Feel Taller

Right after the dentist places your implant crown, it’s not unusual for your bite to feel slightly off. This happens because:

1. **New Surface in Your Bite** – Your mouth has adjusted over time to the shape and position of your natural teeth. When the implant crown is inserted, even the smallest difference in height or angle can be noticeable to your tongue and jaw.

2. **Gum and Bone Healing** – In the weeks after surgery, your gum tissues and bone are still settling. This can make the crown feel higher compared to the surrounding teeth. The sensation often reduces as your mouth heals and adapts.

3. **Initial Bite Setting** – Dentists will aim for precise bite alignment during the procedure, but sometimes the crown will need micro-adjustments after your mouth has had a chance to “test” it in daily activities like eating and speaking.

### How Long Does the Feeling Last?

For most patients in Thailand, that “taller” feeling lasts from a few days to a couple of weeks. Gradually, your jaw muscles and brain learn this new bite pattern. In some cases, your dentist might perform a quick adjustment session to fine-tune the crown for optimal comfort.

It’s important not to ignore ongoing discomfort. If two to three weeks have passed and the sensation hasn’t improved, you should make an appointment to check the bite. Impacts on chewing efficiency and jaw health can occur if a height issue is left untreated.

### The Role of Your Dentist in Thailand

Thai dental clinics — whether they are in busy shopping districts or quieter provincial towns — usually take extra care to explain what to expect after implants. Many dentists here understand that patients want to know not only about the procedure itself but also about how their everyday comfort will be affected afterward.

You’ll often be given advice such as avoiding very hard or sticky foods right after the crown placement, and scheduling a follow-up visit within a week or two. This approach ensures that small height adjustments can be made before they cause any trouble.

### Tips to Ease the Adjustment Process

If you’re feeling like your implant is taller, here are some practical tips you can follow while your mouth is adapting:

- **Chew Slowly** – Give your jaw time to learn the new bite points. Slow chewing helps prev

ent unnecessary pressure on the implant.

- **Avoid Very Hard Foods** – Popular Thai snacks like deep-fried pork crackling or sticky rice can be challenging for a fresh implant. Stick to softer foods during the first two weeks.

- **Use Both Sides of Your Mouth** – Distribute the chewing effort rather than focusing on one side only.

- **Attend Your Follow-Up Appointment** – Even if you feel fine, your dentist can check the crown positioning and make sure it’s wearing evenly.

### When to Seek Immediate Attention

While it’s normal to feel like your implant is taller in the beginning, certain signs require quick professional attention:

- Pain that increases rather than decreases over time

- Difficulty closing your mouth comfortably

- Swelling or unusual redness around the implant site

- Cracking sounds when biting

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact your dentist promptly. In Thailand, dental clinics usually accommodate urgent adjustments quickly, and solving the issue early ensures the implant’s long-term success.

### How Your Body Adapts

Your mouth is an incredibly adaptive system. Even small changes are detected instantly because your teeth work together as a team. Once an implant is integrated and your jaw learns the new shape, the taller feeling fades away. Some patients even report that after a month, they can’t distinguish the implant from their natural teeth.

This adaptation is part of the brain’s natural ability to re-map your bite. Think of it like introducing a new piece of furniture in your home: at first, you notice it every day, but after a while, it becomes part of the normal environment.

### Maintaining Implant Health

After the height issue has settled, your focus shifts to keeping the implant healthy. In Thailand’s warm and humid climate, oral hygiene habits play a big role in preventing gum problems around implants. Make sure to:

- Brush twice daily with gentle strokes around the implant

- Use floss or interdental brushes to clean the sides

- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash

- Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleaning

Healthy gums ensure that your implant stays stable and trouble-free for years.

### Final Thoughts

If your dental implants feel taller at first, don’t panic — it’s a common experience shared by many patients in Thailand and around the world. The initial sensation is often a mix of healing tissues, bite adaptation, and your body’s keen awareness of change. With proper care, communication with your dentist, and a little patience, this feeling usually disappears naturally.

Remember, every mouth is unique, and your dentist is your best source of guidance. By staying calm and following their advice, you’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of your implant without even noticing it’s there — just like your own natural tooth.