Some people who have dental implants may notice that their speech is different in the first place. Especially when implants are placed in the anterior tooth area, it is possible to have difficulty pronouncing sounds such as “s” because the way the tongue touches the teeth changes. Some patients liken this to a slight lisp or feeling “unfamiliar” with the sounds they normally make. This change is often not permanent; it is common to return to normal speech patterns during the recovery period as muscle memory remodels and the patient becomes familiar with their mouth.
On the other hand, some patients report that the thickness of the denture or implant affects speech. Especially with complete implants in the upper jaw, if the part of the prosthesis that touches the tongue and palate is too bulky, a rustling or lisp-like effect may be seen in the “s” sounds. In such cases, the dentist may need to perform minor abrasion or adjustment. If speech difficulties persist, some patients speed up the process by practicing or getting support from a speech therapist. Over time, muscle and tongue coordination adapt to the new shape of the implant.
There are usually two reasons for speech difficulties after an implant: First, the adaptation process brought about by the anatomical change in the mouth; second, the person’s inability to fully get used to the new prosthesis or implant surface. Some patients may say that the mild pain experienced during the healing period in the jawbone is also reflected in their speech. However, as this pain decreases and the patient practices speaking, it is often observed that the problems are alleviated.
If the height or position of your implant is such that it will permanently affect your speech, your dentist can make additional corrections if necessary. If you feel that you are experiencing speech impairment, the best approach is to consult your dentist and determine the exact source of the problem. Small abrasions, replacement of the prosthesis or even simple exercises can provide a solution. The important thing is to allow time for this adaptation process and to observe yourself.
