You’ve just had your dental implants placed. They look great, they feel stable, and chewing feels almost like it used to—until you hear it: a little click. Maybe it’s when you bite into a crunchy apple or chew your favorite snack. It’s not painful, just… audible. At first, you think it’s all in your head. But no, it’s real—and now you can’t unhear it.
For patients with implants, a faint click can seem odd, unexpected, or even concerning. But fear not. You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re probably not experiencing anything abnormal.
What Causes the Clicking Sound in Some Dental Implants?
Let’s start with the most common question: What’s making that sound?
Dental implants are incredibly sophisticated, but they’re also mechanical systems by nature. Unlike natural teeth, which are cushioned by ligaments and nerves that absorb shock, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone. That makes them extremely stable—but also more likely to transmit sound.
Here’s what can cause that click:
- Micro-movements at the implant-abutment junction: The abutment is the small connector that attaches your crown to the implant post. Sometimes, tiny movements or shifts in this connection—especially under pressure from chewing—can produce a slight clicking noise.
- Loose components: In rare cases, a screw or crown may not be fully tightened. The result? A very faint sound, much like a loose puzzle piece shifting into place.
- Occlusal adjustment issues: If your bite isn’t perfectly balanced post-surgery, certain teeth may be striking harder than others—resulting in clicking sounds as pressure shifts.
- Hard foods + solid surfaces: Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants don’t have the same cushioning from the periodontal ligament. When something hard (like a nut or ice cube) hits a rigid implant crown, it might produce a sharper sound than you’re used to.
The good news? Most clicking is harmless and easily adjusted. It’s simply a side effect of the physics behind dental restoration.
Can Dental Implants Affect How Sounds are Perceived During Chewing?
Short answer: Yes. And here’s why.
Your mouth isn’t just a tool for eating—it’s a finely tuned sound chamber. Think of it like a mini echo system. Natural teeth are surrounded by ligaments and nerves, which absorb shock and dampen sound. Implants, however, are fused directly to your jawbone. This difference changes how vibrations are transmitted through your skull—and how you hear them.
So what does this mean?
- Increased awareness: Some patients report being more sensitive to internal sounds—chewing, clinking, even biting fingernails—after receiving implants. That’s because sound travels more directly through the bone to your inner ear.
- Bone conduction plays a role: Implants are tightly anchored to the jaw, which means they act like sound transmitters. It’s the same principle behind bone conduction headphones—they bypass your outer ear and send sound straight to your inner ear through vibrations.
- Different textures = different sounds: You might notice a crunchier-than-usual sensation with certain foods. Or maybe metal cutlery touching your crown sounds more prominent than before. It’s all part of how the implant interacts with your natural acoustic environment.
Here’s the fun twist: in many cases, others around you can’t hear a thing. The sound is being transmitted internally—so while it might seem louder to you, it’s just your new normal.
How Do Implant Materials Influence Sound Transmission in The Mouth?
Not all implants are created equal—and neither are the materials used in them. The type of crown, abutment, and implant post can subtly affect how sound travels through your mouth.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Titanium implants: These are the gold standard. Durable and biocompatible, titanium integrates well with the jawbone. But it’s also metal, which means it’s a decent conductor of sound. Some patients report more noticeable sound sensations with titanium compared to zirconia.
- Zirconia implants: These ceramic implants are newer but gaining popularity for their aesthetic and biocompatibility benefits. They tend to absorb more sound and may produce less internal clicking or reverberation.
- Crown material matters too:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Can sometimes produce a louder sound when coming into contact with utensils or hard foods.
- All-ceramic or zirconia crowns: Tend to offer a quieter, more natural chewing experience.
- Resin or composite crowns: Softer and more forgiving, but typically used as temporary restorations.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Can sometimes produce a louder sound when coming into contact with utensils or hard foods.
- Abutment tightness and design: Custom abutments designed to fit snugly may reduce micro-movement, which lowers the chance of clicking altogether.
The material combinations matter not just for looks and function—but also for how your mouth feels and sounds.
Is Hearing a Click With Dental Implants Considered Normal or a Concern?
Let’s get this out of the way: a click doesn’t necessarily mean something’s wrong.
In fact, hearing a faint click when chewing or biting is relatively common—especially in the early weeks after getting implants. It’s your body adjusting, your brain recalibrating, and your jaw adapting to the new mechanics at play.
However, here’s when you should pay attention:
- Persistent clicking that increases over time
- Clicking combined with pain or discomfort
- Loose feeling in your crown or implant
- Shifting or movement while biting
- Bleeding or inflammation near the implant site
These could signal a mechanical issue, an occlusion (bite) imbalance, or in rare cases, implant loosening or failure. In these situations, a quick visit to your dentist is in order. Most problems are minor and easily resolved with a quick adjustment or tightening of the abutment.
That said, if the click is minor, painless, and occasional—it’s likely just a normal side effect of your high-tech dental gear.
Embrace the Soundtrack of Your Smile
When it comes to dental implants, most people focus on aesthetics, stability, and function. But sound? That’s the overlooked part of the story. Whether you hear a subtle click or a satisfying clink while chewing, your implants are simply doing what they’re designed to do—restoring your bite with strength and precision.
So if you’re one of the few who notices a gentle click when you chew, consider it a badge of high-tech honor—proof that your smile is strong, modern, and built to last.
Need help with an implant that sounds off-key? At Cascade Dental, we’re here to fine-tune your smile—no stress, no pressure, just expert care. Schedule your visit today and let’s keep your dental harmony perfectly in tune.
