Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

intermittent pain weeks after #17 extraction and bone graft

Earlier this year, I completed the six month or so long process of getting a dental implant on #18. Ever since the crown was placed on the implant, the implant hasn't felt right, despite my dentist making several adjustments and my oral surgeon's assurances that nothing seems wrong with the implant (x-rays and examination of it). When I bite down on it with certain foods, it feels uncomfortable, almost like it has moved, but apparently it hasn't.  I recently had tooth #17 extracted after it cracked (weak teeth! I promise I care for them and even wear a night guard) and a bone graft placed in preparation for a second dental implant. Since then, my mouth has been a hot mess. I've had throbbing involving the lower left jawbone all the way to front midline. My chin had some strange burning feeling intermittently. Finally, after two weeks, things started to calm down and I had this past week mostly incident free. Now yesterday and today there is some occasional light throbbing and discomfort. My dentist has examined that side of my mouth a couple of times and can't find anything wrong with any of the other teeth. The original #18 implant still feels a bit odd now that I'm chewing on that side of my mouth again. My oral surgeon is concerned the discomfort and pain is possibly neurogenic, despite him having 2mm or so between any work and the nerve. He wants to give it time and if there is no improvement, to discuss seeing a specialist or the removal of the #18 implant. Fortunately, there has been improvement, but I'm concerned about the slight return of symptoms (it's been three weeks since oral surgery). Neither he nor my dentist can determine what is going on and neither have seen this before. My oral surgeon has never had a #18 implant fail. They both have excellent reputations and I trust them.

Is there any possibility it will resolve on its own? It has improved about 90%, but I'm concerned that it's aching off and on a bit again. What can I do to help? Thanks!
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
540545 tn?1377622918
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The dental implant has no natural ligament like natural teeth.  So when you bite down on your natural teeth, it'll move slightly while your dental implant is firmed implanted into the bone that it won't, in theory, move at all.  It seems odd that you're saying it feels likes it moving but I'm sure they've looked at it to make sure its not mobile.  Also, x-rays can be used to determine if there's any bone loss in that area and again, my assumption is that they don't see any justification to remove the implant since its an extensive procedure to do.  

As for the healing from the wisdom teeth, it most likely just post-operative pain from the site and the fact its getting better is good.  You could potentially look at getting steroids or pain medication.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The fact that it is improving and not getting worse is a good sign. Although an implant mimics the roots of a natural tooth, it is still a foreign object and may feel slightly different.You should probably follow your surgeons advice to give it a little more time before having the implant removed.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Dental Health Forum

Popular Resources
If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw clicking and popping ear pain, you may have TMJ. Top dentist Hamidreza Nassery, DMD, has the best TMJ treatments for you.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.