Ever since I had my dental implants placed, I’ve had one sinus infection after another. I never had sinus problems before this and I don’t know what to do. My dentist insists it’s not the implants and all my doctor does is prescribe antibiotics and recommend I take a decongestant afterward. I’ve done all of that and the infections just keep returning. Do you have a recommendation?
Myra
Dear Myra,
Who should place your dental implants?
You’re likely feeling like you’re being passed off between doctors. And you are. Your dentist doesn’t want to take a chance he’s at fault so it doesn’t sound like he’s done any real investigating. Your doctor is just treating symptoms and not trying to get to the bottom of anything.
As to your question, dental implants themselves do not cause sinus problems. However, poorly placed dental implants are a completely different story. Because your medical “providers” don’t seem to care, my recommendation is you see either someone who specializes in dental implants or an ENT.
They will do a CT scan to see if the implants are placed in a way that interferes with your sinus function. If they do, you’ll be entitled to a refund. Unfortunately, that will mean starting over with your restorations.
When Dental Implants Have to be Re-done
Because they’ll have to come out you’ll lose some bone structure. That will require bone grafting to be done in order to give the new implants adequate support. If your dentist was at fault he should pay for this procedure. You wouldn’t need it if he’d done your dental implants correctly to begin with.
A good implant dentist will make sure you get a CT scan before he plans the surgical placement. This will ensure the implants are placed in a way they don’t interfere with anything like sinuses or nerves. An implant on a nerve can cause a lifetime of pain.
Bottom line, get this looked at with someone who puts forth effort in their caregiving.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
