lip, chin numb, front teeth pain after implant surgery

[gonetoga]

my q. is similar to the one about numbness. 4 months ago I had 2 implants placed in my lower jaw and the teeth removed to do this. I recovered and have had only the few days pain that would be normal to be associated with this surgery, however my lower right lip and chin are numb and I've had crushing pain in my lower right front teeth. Now, as of a month ago I've had two more implants place in the left lower side in bone that has had no teeth in it for 10 years. The pain this time was a bit worse, but again my lip and chin are still numb and I now have pain in all my bottom teeth and even washing my face causes pain within my mouth. My implants are doing great, but I haven't made an appt to have my permanent teeth put onto the rith implants which have now healed b/c I can't imagine anyone working in my mouth right now. My lower front teeth and the gums below them are just plain painful most of the time, sometime getting beyond my ability to bear it. I take IB 800 mg twice or three times a day and rarely have to still take the loritab prescribed. It doesn't look like there is much help here. I read Maxofilial and Oral surgeon, but that is what she is and the other I saw is the one who took out the lower left teeth 10 years ago and unsuccessfully tried to put in bone grafting, which it turns out I didn't even need. I am beyond miserable and feeling quite desperate!

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

It is unfortunate that you have this condition.  It is a very well known and documented risk of dental implant surgery.  It is often prevented by a complete pre-operative diagnostic workup.

No surgery is without risk of complications and the patient should make the decision if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.  My patients are always advised of this and other risks before their procedure.

If the implant is contact with the nerve, then consideration should be made to remove the implant to give the nerve an opportunity to heal.  Another factor may be if the injury occurred as a result of the implant preparation (drilling).  

Never exceed the recommended or prescribed dosage of medication such as Motrin - serious side effects including deaths have been reported.

In either case, evaluation by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons that has special training and experience in repairing the nerve is indicated.   Patients have obtained significant improvement in their sensation and overall quality of life.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.