I had dental implant surgery several months ago and since then I’ve had nothing but serious sinus problems. I go to my medical doctor and he just prescribes medicine but it never does any good. I went to my dentist thinking the implants may be the problem because it all started after the implant surgery. My dentist swears there’s not a problem with the dental implants and said to see my doctor. But, no matter what my dentists prescribes I continue to have problems. What do I do?
Catherine
Dear Catherine,
Sometimes when they say medical practice, it feels like they really are practicing, doesn’t it? I’m curious as to what your dentist did in his attempt to diagnose the problem and assure the dental implants weren’t the cause? Did he do x-rays or just look at the implant sites?
When placing dental implants, some dentists still rely on panoramic x-rays. The best practice is to use CT scans. These are 3D x-rays and help ensure the dentist gives proper placement. Without them, there is an increased chance of them being placed in the wrong position.
Occasionally, a dentist can accidentally perforate your sinus cavity. It is possible this is what happened to you. You’ll need to verify this, though.
I’m actually going to recommend you go to a different dentist for a second opinion. Make sure it is one with a lot of experience in dental implants. Another options is to see either an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor or an oral surgeon who places dental implants.
Let them examine you without telling them who placed the implants. This way you’ll get an unbiased opinion.
If it turns out your sinus cavity was perforated, you will need to have the procedure re-done. Your dentist should cover the repairs. Unfortunately, to do the dental implants over, you’ll also need bone grafting done to replace the lost bone.
Hopefully, you can either get a refund from your dentist or he’ll re-do the procedure for free. If he isn’t using CT scan technology I want you to insist he does.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.