Aa
titanium/vanadium/aluminum dental implant
Eleven months ago I had a titanium alloy dental implant along with a sinus lift and bovine bone graft. The surgery was successful and the implant has since integrated with the bone. One to two months after the surgery I started having cramps in the lower extremities that progressed to constant aching in the feet and knees. Five months after the implant I elected to have the swine flu vaccination which resulted in a numb feeling and tingling in the extremities along with diarrhea and dizziness that subsided after a few days. Since then the tingling has combined with the aching in the lower extremities and progressed upward to include the thighs. Exercise makes all of the symptoms worse, as I experience severe aching and muscle twitching after any kind of physical activity. A MRI of the brain and neck revealed increased areas of signal in the brain not consistent with ms. Blood tests suggest autoimmune disfunction (positive ana, antithyroid antibodies, high IgG for parvovirus and EBV and CMV without being conclusive of connective tissue or thyroid disease. A cone beam ct scan revealed an inflammatory process in the sinus above the implant and apical periodontal inflammation on the tooth behind the implant which was also giving me night fevers. I have since had the root canal retreated on the tooth that was being blamed for my mouth discomfort. This has resulted in a 100% improvement in the pain and feverish feeling emanating from THAT tooth, but I still have an strange irritating sensation emanating from the implant that extends to the cheek, nostril, and eye above the implant. I have a feeling the implant is the cause of the mouth trouble and wondering if it is the cause of my neurological symptoms as well. My physical activity has been reduced to a minimum compared to the level of physical activity previous to the surgery. I wonder if the implant does not show the typical symptoms of rejection because of nightly bronchial and nasal steroid inhalations. The implant looks good on scans and xrays. I am not so good. I am living a life of an inactive person because I have no tolerance for exercise. I love to exercise and my dogs need a walk!!! Today I went for a lower back MRI and had a hard time holding still because of feeling crampy and cold.
All of the docs say it is a coincidence that any of my problems started shortly after receiving the implant. I have sent blood in for the Melisa test, but wonder if a reaction will show being I was not able to refrain from using inhalers for five days. The implant has adhered to the bone and looks "perfect". I am ready to get it out and praying I can return to my normal level of activity. Is there anyone out there with some information that could help?
Am I the only one???? I don't think the ADA or the implant manufacturers want to investigate the possibility of this lucrative procedure being a problem for anyone, so it is hard to find any data supporting my suspicion.
Thanks.
All of the docs say it is a coincidence that any of my problems started shortly after receiving the implant. I have sent blood in for the Melisa test, but wonder if a reaction will show being I was not able to refrain from using inhalers for five days. The implant has adhered to the bone and looks "perfect". I am ready to get it out and praying I can return to my normal level of activity. Is there anyone out there with some information that could help?
Am I the only one???? I don't think the ADA or the implant manufacturers want to investigate the possibility of this lucrative procedure being a problem for anyone, so it is hard to find any data supporting my suspicion.
Thanks.
Sorry for the delay; I wrote a long post yesterday but lost it somehow. So here are the details for the operation. But I live in Europe - Sofia, Bulgaria, so some of the info may not be applicable here :-)
The surgery itself was short and not painful; only with local anaesthetic; I was awake. The big scare was actually the months before the surgery. It was my upper left 5th tooth that was replaced with an implant. The place of the missing tooth was very narrow, so it was a very small implant.
The surgery was done by my long-term dentist (and a friend already), who placed the implant in the first place. It was perfectly integrated with the bone, no signs of infection, from a dentist point of view - I'm totally crazy to remove it. It took me a long time to convince the dentist, who was sure the problem was somewhere else, but he gave up in the end.
He admitted that he has never removed an implant before but I decided to take this risk because 1) he has placed it, so he knows the exact location, brand, had all the X-rays and 3d scans, etc. 2) I knew from experience that he is a really good surgeon and removing an implant shouldn't be that much more difficult than removing a wisdom tooth. 3) I couldn't find a dentist in Bulgaria with proven track record of removing implants, so I decided to go with one whom I generally trust. Besides, you know how difficult it is to convince anyone that a well-intergrated implant should be removed. My dentist at least knows me for years and knows that I am not typically paranoid or anxious. He also agreed that I have started to look unwell, just couldn't believe that the implant could be the reason.
So, the dentist thought that he could be able to unscrew it. We agreed that if it turns out difficult or impossible to unscrew, he will not try and push too hard, but will just close the site and postpone the operation. I found a dentist in Scotland who has experience with removing implants, so we agreed that if unscrewing doesn't work, I will travel to Scotland. My dentist actually offered to come with me, because he said he would be very interested in observing this.
Fortunately, thus wasn't necessary as he managed to unscrew it! It wasn't easy, he had two assistants and made several attempts. At one point they stopped to look for a different instrument and at the end, modified one of their instruments. They also made a cut on the top of the implant to be able to place the instrument in the cut and use it as a screwdriver. Just as I was beginning to panic, the nasty thing came off! The entire process took no more than 10-20 minutes (including the break for changing instruments and making their own).
My understanding is that the major risk is bone loss due to the missing tooth or damage to the neighbouring teeth or the jaw. Even though my dentist was inexperienced, I have no damage. The bone loss is minimal and that's inevitable when losing a tooth or an implant. As I said, my implant/ gap was small, neighbouring teeth really close.
They were insisting on doing bone grafting but I refused. I didn't want anything else foreign in my bone. I decided to let nature heal the spot. Besides, I am not interested in a new implant. Of course, if you need a new implant (zirconia?), I guess bone grafting may be necessary.
When it was all over, I was just wondering why I didn't do it earlier. I realise that the surgery poses risk, but with the right dentist, it isn't that scary at all. Keep my fingers crossed for a good outcome for you guys! At the end I found the courage for the surgery because one morning I realised that my condition was deteriorating every year. So, I thought - what I am waiting for? Yes, there is a risk, but if I want a full life, I have to take it. Otherwise have to just drag my feet around feeling sick.
The improvement is not 100% and not too fast, but there is significant improvement and I am happy the nasty thing is out.
The surgery itself was short and not painful; only with local anaesthetic; I was awake. The big scare was actually the months before the surgery. It was my upper left 5th tooth that was replaced with an implant. The place of the missing tooth was very narrow, so it was a very small implant.
The surgery was done by my long-term dentist (and a friend already), who placed the implant in the first place. It was perfectly integrated with the bone, no signs of infection, from a dentist point of view - I'm totally crazy to remove it. It took me a long time to convince the dentist, who was sure the problem was somewhere else, but he gave up in the end.
He admitted that he has never removed an implant before but I decided to take this risk because 1) he has placed it, so he knows the exact location, brand, had all the X-rays and 3d scans, etc. 2) I knew from experience that he is a really good surgeon and removing an implant shouldn't be that much more difficult than removing a wisdom tooth. 3) I couldn't find a dentist in Bulgaria with proven track record of removing implants, so I decided to go with one whom I generally trust. Besides, you know how difficult it is to convince anyone that a well-intergrated implant should be removed. My dentist at least knows me for years and knows that I am not typically paranoid or anxious. He also agreed that I have started to look unwell, just couldn't believe that the implant could be the reason.
So, the dentist thought that he could be able to unscrew it. We agreed that if it turns out difficult or impossible to unscrew, he will not try and push too hard, but will just close the site and postpone the operation. I found a dentist in Scotland who has experience with removing implants, so we agreed that if unscrewing doesn't work, I will travel to Scotland. My dentist actually offered to come with me, because he said he would be very interested in observing this.
Fortunately, thus wasn't necessary as he managed to unscrew it! It wasn't easy, he had two assistants and made several attempts. At one point they stopped to look for a different instrument and at the end, modified one of their instruments. They also made a cut on the top of the implant to be able to place the instrument in the cut and use it as a screwdriver. Just as I was beginning to panic, the nasty thing came off! The entire process took no more than 10-20 minutes (including the break for changing instruments and making their own).
My understanding is that the major risk is bone loss due to the missing tooth or damage to the neighbouring teeth or the jaw. Even though my dentist was inexperienced, I have no damage. The bone loss is minimal and that's inevitable when losing a tooth or an implant. As I said, my implant/ gap was small, neighbouring teeth really close.
They were insisting on doing bone grafting but I refused. I didn't want anything else foreign in my bone. I decided to let nature heal the spot. Besides, I am not interested in a new implant. Of course, if you need a new implant (zirconia?), I guess bone grafting may be necessary.
When it was all over, I was just wondering why I didn't do it earlier. I realise that the surgery poses risk, but with the right dentist, it isn't that scary at all. Keep my fingers crossed for a good outcome for you guys! At the end I found the courage for the surgery because one morning I realised that my condition was deteriorating every year. So, I thought - what I am waiting for? Yes, there is a risk, but if I want a full life, I have to take it. Otherwise have to just drag my feet around feeling sick.
The improvement is not 100% and not too fast, but there is significant improvement and I am happy the nasty thing is out.
thank you for sharing your success story! it always makes me feel good to hear others with similar stories to mine.
Bluebird, I know with the right surgeon your implant removal would be EASY!
Bluebird, I know with the right surgeon your implant removal would be EASY!
There is another holistic dentist in PA who has removed about 50 implants. I'll message you with the name.
Thank you for sharing AbsoluteBeginner! I am so happy for you. Could you give any details on the surgery to remove your implant? Was the implant well integrated with your jaw bone? Was the procedure traumatic in any way? Mine is tooth #14 in upper jaw and I am told it could cause trauma to the bone to have it removed. I know I have read here that even a dentist was able to do this for a patient in NJ in just a few minutes with only Novocaine. It would be so helpful if you could describe your experience for those of us still contemplating this. Thank you!
Hello again to everyone,
I am here to share some good news and hope. I have previously posted my story - had an implant in 2009, when I was feeling perfectly healthy and energetic. Symptoms started several months later and quickly exacerbated until I was homebound and not functioning at all - terrible fatigue, muscle weakness, panic attacks, stomach problems, anxiety, depression, brain fog, poor concentration, etc. Generally feeling very, very weak and not myself. As my husband and a friend one day concluded - "it is as if you are being slowly poisoned." That's how it occurred to us that it could be the implant; I didn't make the connection initially.
I had the implant removed in 2014 and that's the best decision I have made so far. Haven't recovered 100% but I think it takes time and effort (exercise, detox), to compensate for the years of not moving and for the toxicity. But there is huge improvement - my close ones say that I even talk and move differently. I feel stronger and more myself. After not doing anything for years, months after the implant is gone, I am back travelling, working, taking better care of my child, etc.
This weekend we were mountain biking (my muscles still in bad shape but improving), it was very hot, and I noticed with joy that I have no agoraphobia and I can tolerate the heat perfectly. While I had the implant, I couldn't tolerate any direct sun, I immediately started to feel dizzy and had to go in the shade and lie down. So, it seems like that will be the first summer since 2009 that I may be able to actually enjoy!
Just like you, I was told numerous times by dentist and doctors that I am imagining all of that and the reason may be different. How can one imagine it? Am I imagining now that I can do more things?
I just wanted to say that there is hope and the implants should be removed, regardless of the risk! My dentist was trying to convince me against the removal until the last moment, even right before the surgery. However, I was very stubborn (though scared), because I realised that I am getting worse every year and if I don't take the risk of removing it, I am just sitting, waiting, deteriorating, and not living.
Sincerely wish everyone here success with the removal and with reclaiming our own bodies.
I am here to share some good news and hope. I have previously posted my story - had an implant in 2009, when I was feeling perfectly healthy and energetic. Symptoms started several months later and quickly exacerbated until I was homebound and not functioning at all - terrible fatigue, muscle weakness, panic attacks, stomach problems, anxiety, depression, brain fog, poor concentration, etc. Generally feeling very, very weak and not myself. As my husband and a friend one day concluded - "it is as if you are being slowly poisoned." That's how it occurred to us that it could be the implant; I didn't make the connection initially.
I had the implant removed in 2014 and that's the best decision I have made so far. Haven't recovered 100% but I think it takes time and effort (exercise, detox), to compensate for the years of not moving and for the toxicity. But there is huge improvement - my close ones say that I even talk and move differently. I feel stronger and more myself. After not doing anything for years, months after the implant is gone, I am back travelling, working, taking better care of my child, etc.
This weekend we were mountain biking (my muscles still in bad shape but improving), it was very hot, and I noticed with joy that I have no agoraphobia and I can tolerate the heat perfectly. While I had the implant, I couldn't tolerate any direct sun, I immediately started to feel dizzy and had to go in the shade and lie down. So, it seems like that will be the first summer since 2009 that I may be able to actually enjoy!
Just like you, I was told numerous times by dentist and doctors that I am imagining all of that and the reason may be different. How can one imagine it? Am I imagining now that I can do more things?
I just wanted to say that there is hope and the implants should be removed, regardless of the risk! My dentist was trying to convince me against the removal until the last moment, even right before the surgery. However, I was very stubborn (though scared), because I realised that I am getting worse every year and if I don't take the risk of removing it, I am just sitting, waiting, deteriorating, and not living.
Sincerely wish everyone here success with the removal and with reclaiming our own bodies.
Hi,
I am a person who had dental implants twice in last eight months. The first time it was of traditional method using titanium roots. For some reason the implant was failure and i was suffered with some dental issues. And the specialist who did my implant could not exactly find the reason. Then one of my cousin who did an implant couple of years back suggested it may be due to an allergic reaction. He recommended me to go to a holistic dentist (drwolch.com/holistic-dental-procedures/bridges-dental-implants/ ). I took his suggestion and went to a holistic dentist nearby. He did the necessary treatments to my existing issues and then did the implant with something called zirconium. It fitted my teeth perfectly and no issues arose. After four months a ceramic crown was placed and everything ended up very well.
I am a person who had dental implants twice in last eight months. The first time it was of traditional method using titanium roots. For some reason the implant was failure and i was suffered with some dental issues. And the specialist who did my implant could not exactly find the reason. Then one of my cousin who did an implant couple of years back suggested it may be due to an allergic reaction. He recommended me to go to a holistic dentist (drwolch.com/holistic-dental-procedures/bridges-dental-implants/ ). I took his suggestion and went to a holistic dentist nearby. He did the necessary treatments to my existing issues and then did the implant with something called zirconium. It fitted my teeth perfectly and no issues arose. After four months a ceramic crown was placed and everything ended up very well.
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