Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Strange nerve damage symptoms after dental implant

Hello
I am really searching for some help to control my symptoms and any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

I have had four dental implants over a period of four years (one lower, three upper) and had no problems with any until recently.  I do not think it can be coincidental, and think I have suffered some sort of nerve damage.

After placement of an upper pre molar implant last October I noticed a very strange 'taste' in my mouth and strange sensation on my face and in my mouth.  It was difficult to describe, but I went back to the dental surgeon who assured me that the implant had been placed properly and there was no infection which he thought would cause a strange taste. (I have had dental infections, and this taste was nothing like it.)   He also said as there was absolutely no pain either, this indicated there was also no apparent nerve damage.

This taste and sensation  has stayed with me since October and affects everything I eat and drink. It comes and goes in intensity, but  I mainly feel the taste on the tip of my tongue and behind my front teeth.  Sometimes is is a bitter, acrid, vile taste, chemical and medicinal, almost like I imagine poison would taste.  Nothing will shift it, and it just makes me feel ill.    Other times it is soapy, and at other times (strangely) menthol, minty, like I have been eating Vicks vapour rub. (I now understand that with nerve damage, it is actually a sensation of altered taste as perceived by the brain, rather than an actual taste in the mouth.)   Now this is where it gets weird,  because in addition to the menthol taste, I also have the sensation of menthol vapours around my face and head, even my eyes sting. I also have extremely cold sensations on my skin. Mainly my face and the backs of my arms and hands, but today I had the sensation on my thighs and fronts of my shins. It is like a freezing cold ' sunburn'.  I am aware how this sounds, as I am talking about cranial nerve damage caused by a dental implant, but perhaps the vagus nerve can be affected too and I know it originates in the head and innervates the whole body.  

I also wondered about some sort of galvanic reaction between the metals of all the implants, and the two amalgam fillings I have.

I have been back to my dental surgeon who I believe I am beginning to lose credibility with - I must sound like a nutcase.  he assures me the implant is not the cause of my trouble.  But all of these symptoms are very real and are beginning to seriously affect my ability to function normally. I can't think of anything else, and the taste sensations especially are very hard to deal with.
Any imput gratefully received
Many thanks
D
37 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Any updates from anyone?  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello. I am a health nut when it comes to my diet. Non smoker and I don't drink alcohol. I had 2 dental implants placed last year at the same time. One on the low we'd rt side and one on the upper left side. About 2 months afterwards, I began experiencing headaches constantly. Told the dentist and he said the implants were okay. Another month went by and I began having this intractable itch that would come and go. The itch would start on one side of my body and move to the other. I would have to use ice for hours and endure hard cold skin Along with Benadryl and any other itch medication to get any relief. It appeared to be in my nerves. Brought this to my dentist's attention and to the oral surgeon who placed the implants. The oral surgeon took X-rays and said the implants were fine. So the dentist removed the crowns and screws from my mouth. I felt relief for about a week then the same symptoms. Went to doc after doc then an allergist. Now I also have high blood pressure. I was even diagnosed with fish poisoning... Well, 1 year later, I had an aneurysm rupture on my brain that resulted in a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I am now recovering from this...  I had none of these issues prior to getting dental implants! I'm gonna look more into this. Thanks everyone for posting your stories.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If you have other metals in your mouth, there could be a galvanic effect going on like a battery releasing heavy metals into your system? our dentistry is archaic and geared to making money most dentistry was unnecessary from the beginning all that was needed is education and a change in diet. Our teeth were made to last a lifetime until the drill came along and weakened the tooth and released toxins into your blood stream it's a lousy situation. We should be naturally healing the teeth hopefully regrowing teeth. I hope that happens in the near future  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your well-written explanation of the results of titanium dental implants. I've experienced many of the symptoms associated with oral galvanism including the metallic taste, auto immune issues, unexplained allergic reactions and a chronic cough that began right after the dental implant. I also have several crowns and fillings. My hair is falling out and my skin has developed scaly patches and thickening. I have the all too common fibromyalgia symptoms and am using a wheelchair to get around now. I told my family that sometimes I feel as though I'm being poisoned. My diet is rich with good fats and antioxidants, wild game and wild caught seafood, no manufactured beverages and little processed foods, little alcohol and no smoking ever and only one blood pressure pill per day.  Still, I get sicker and more bloated looking every day. I'm going to seriously consider removal of the metal in my mouth. It will be expensive, but my symptoms make it impossible for me to work and I had to close my real estate business as a result. I think it would be money well spent.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Am 33yrs old man don't smoke, not a regular drinker last drunck 1yr ago, was in good heath before getting an implant in my upper right jaw & two teeth fillings, felt no prob whn da implant was fixed but after 6 month started feeling probs sleeping putting pressure on the side of the implant could wake up after a few hour feeling da jaw & side of da implant like paralised after some month that stopped, after 1 year & some weeks ma left arm started trembling daily up to now & suddenly started also feeling pain in ma joints,muscles which stopped after some weeks bt still could feel the implant some times abit hot in ma jaw bone went back to da dentist told him all & he made an x ray said da implant is okey, now 1year & 5 month occasionally still feel da implant heating up in ma jaw bone, have also now developed a very painful persistent intching sore throat & intching ears coming to 2month now, & ma right arm has also started trembling, muscle & nerve pain in ma legs, hands, ma right bam, cheast, neck etc are back, also feel like electronic shocks in some of my muscles & body parts, tried doses of anti biotics nothing changes, gone to 2docs & 2  ENT docs checked ma throat down inside & a CT scan done all show da throat is okey & normal, so I don't know if its da implant & feelings causing all this, have made an appointment with ma dental implant doc who fixed it to remove it and see if these symptoms will go
Hello, im having some different health issues, out of the blue ine day they all started, i had a dental implant about 2 years ago that failed, it was removed, n after my gums n bone healed i had it but back it, after the implant had been in for about 4 to 5 weeks i started having weird sickness, test have all came back negative,my implant is on the left upper side of mouth, and some of my symptoms are only in left side, i have had multiple MRI to rule out ms all come back negative, my symptoms are so bizarre thst doc cant put their finger on what the problem maybe,i have increase heartbeat while at rest, fatigue, stiffness sometimes when chew on left side, mental i feel off on left side, i have some anxiety now, and no1 can give me any answers, seriously thinking about removing implant, im very aware of everything but their is an off feeling,ive been n and out of hospital having psuedoseizure while in hospital with heartbeat at +150 while n bed, i only at hospital, i have been to cardiologist all heart test are negative ive been to a neurologist all test so far are negative, i Thank God that they r negative, however its frustrating when u have no answers
Avatar universal
Galvanic response caused by the overuse of dissimilar metals is a fairly new concern but one that should be looked at with great intent!
We're seeing more and more stories all very similar in description and those are the ones that actually post. How many more are there?
I can tell you from my point of view there needs to be a major over haul in how dentistry is performed & regulated.
Selling patients on the use of certain metals and/or devices as safe effective and long term, then using "cheaper" metals in it's place along with problematic design has become an all to common practice!
By the time you figure out what's wrong because as we've all read they'll lie to you about it. It can be to late to seek legal help.
I actually caught the lab owner admitting on tape (legal in my state) telling me and a witness how my bridgework is all Titanium and how he would never use dissimilar metals when in fact he used 13 different metals 3 of which are known carcinogens.
Now I am very ill but have finally pieced the puzzle together and can prove their wrong doing. Sadly, it'll do no good as I am outside my legal recourse. I cannot afford to fix this mess and they refuse to admit wrong doing.
If you look at it from a job continuity point of view it's a great concept! Put a mix of bad metals in peoples mouths let'm get sick and then have them pay more money to fix what shouldn't have happened in the first place!
If we don't find a way to hit mainstream to warn potential patients more and more people will be getting sick!
Check out the 1st installment of my nightmare. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQbcgMWb4ko
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It might be time to talk to another dentist. If you're still having these symptoms, you need to get a second opinion. I think a possible allergy might be the problem, but it's impossible to say without talking to a professional. If the "taste" is affecting you as much as you say, you should definitely seek a solution. Good luck! http://www.dederichclinic.ca/en/implants.html
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My now 15 yr old daughter got very sick after orthodontics several years ago.  The situation just continued to escalate and escalate -including shaking episodes, electric shock sensations in her face, daily headaches, increasing allergies,  etc.. until we finally removed the orthodontics.  Upon removal, most symptoms disappeared but she still suffers with one problem from it still several years later.  It has gradually worsened and is really affecting the quality of her life.  Specifically, she gets a horrible feeling in her throat (as if sand was shoved down her throat, or a thick feeling as she describes) mostly occuring after eating.  (from afternoon onwards).  Often when very bad she gags/vomits up clear fluid and then feels relieved afterwards.   It has become unbearable for her.  The GI esophagus specialist diagnosed low esophageal motility and also says that inflammation caused a hypersensitivity in the nerve cells of her gut.  She has been to countless traditional and alternative doctors etc.  If you have any information that could help us please let me know.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for that article -- she is Dr. Mercola's own personal dentist! I've always known heavy metal-titanium was dangerous in the body but all I'm told by dentists that use it is "oh, there's no problems with it" (so they won't get sued, no doubt).

Instead she recommends zirconia ceramic implants -- not quite as natural as a seashell [I could only wish] but TONS better than heavy metal in your face releasing ions 24/7. Dentists also tell me "Oh, zirconia fails" -- gee, I wonder if they didn't hear that from the competition -- those who make their money selling the titanium implants! Whatever they can make the most profit on is what they push, not the more efficient and least harmful.

Also, you've got to remember they've been using zirconia ceramic implants in Europe for YEARS. If it was such a "failure" then wonder why they don't switch to something that works? LOL
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have an appointment with an oral pathologist to get to the bottom of this, as I just cannot stand it any more. My dentist is now accepting that I may have damage to the one of the cranial nerves.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Praise God! Suppose you had listened to your doctors that all would be fine and you kept it. You would have long suffering. Doctors refuse to acknowledge issues with these implants.

I wish you the best and pray for your full recovery.

A message of hope to all of us with implants that we, too, may recover when we have them out.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You really need to get the implant out. There's a study in a scientific journal that shows that most people who have problems with metal in their mouth, including the implant, improve when removed.

You're not nuts. I was in great health before my one titanium implant was put in 3 months ago. Now I have multiple health issues. Of course, the oral surgeon says not related. Like everyone else posting about titanium implants, doctors are saying  coincidental. BS! I'm getting mine out ASAP. Suggest all consider doing the same if having issues.

Do a search on Google Scholar. You'll see a wealth of scary issues on these titanium dental implants.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just had my dental implant removed today!  From the moment the implant had been placed I was in excruciating pain.  It was out of this world.  I took toradol and it didn't even put a a dent in the pain.  Dentist assured me the pain and pressure would pass.  3 mths later as we approached the end of the process, i.e. crown fitting and placement.  The healing abutment fell out of my mouth.  I saw the dentist the following day who placed it back in...again extreme pressure and pain.  Again the abutment fell out and I actually had to tighten it back in so that the gum didn't grow back over.  I went to the periodontist and explained the headache, pressure, pain, constant feeling of being kicked in the face.  Followed with major anxiety in which I had never had before.  They reviewed my whole procedure, all the photos looked great, X-rays great but it was making me feel horrible.  I finally hit my pain quota and could not take it anymore and demanded the implant be removed.  Tonight I have a lot of pain of course from extracting the implant but the headache and pressure and constant nagging in my face is gone!  I think my body rejected the pressure of the implant being placed....and I think the nerve beneath did not appreciate it either.  I am so happy to have it removed even thought I have this pain and discomfort.  I was taking 1000 mills per day of Naproxen not to mention t3s and could still feel my jaw throb and have pressure and presence of something foreign.  The instant he realized the screw the pressure and presence were gone!!!  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It's awesome to find out that you aren't crazy... I had the horrible menthol taste for 5 months last year. After one month it began attacking the nerves in my teeth and I had to get 3 root canals and one tooth pulled. I always KNEW there was a connection but all docs and dentists said I was nuts. I have never had a dental implant. I think it is just nerve damage from...vigorous activity. The taste returned one month ago; I want to do something before it attacks my teeth again. Also I think it is going down my throat; I have horrible acid reflux. What specialist do i see? Can this be stopped?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wow!!  this is unreal!! I have had my implants about two years. I have six of them. I just recently had veneers put on the six teeth across the front. But now I seem to have aches in all areas of my teeth. Like nerve pain as well and a taste of metal. Keeps me up at night!! Some days are better then others. I don't want o over think this. But I am having joint pain in hands elbows and my knees are killing me. (maybe from exercise) Like I said I don't want to think to much into this but could me getting my veneers done trigger the pain in my teeth. Not even my real teeth that's whats weird. They hurt!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had infected lower tooth implant removed 8months agon. Have numbness hard to eat and talk  nerve damage.  My  quality of life has been damaged,I do not know how much more I can take.  I oral sureogn did the work. ...had to take   8 bone spurs out of my jag.  Damaging the nerve.  Please help me by iam 79 years old
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Did the oral pathologist find an answer?
I have similar symptoms after a severe injury to my head and body. My mouth, including all front teeth, gums, lips, palate and tongue feel icy cold-burning sensation. I have titanium in my face and carotid artery. I have already had most of the titanium that was in my face and elsewhere in my body removed, but the pain is still there. I have been searching vagus nerve injury as a possible cause on the internet and found your posting. Your symptoms are similar to mine. I have strange toxic, icy cold taste in my mouth. I have limited sense of smell, hearing loss and vision problems.
Any info you can share may help me find a solution. Name of your Doctor, if he helped.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for this Dierdre. I have had 5 titanium implants over the past two years, two upper right and three lower right.  I now have electrical sensations throughout my body, affecting my legs, much worse on the right side.  My ankles and legs are stiff and I can hardly walk without pain and I have never had anything like this before.  My periodontist told me that titanium is inert. My body is telling me differently.  The symptoms are getting worse and I am struggling not to succumb to depression because of this.  Someone else on the forum has suggested aruvedic medicine to help if there is a need for a detoxification, although I think that a galvanic reaction could be the problem which would necessitate removal of the implants.  I do appreciate all your posts...very helpful.  I also plan to keep posting on this forum once I have some answers.  All the best to you.
Helpful - 0
5645452 tn?1371576807
I mean exascerbated:) (sic?):)
Helpful - 0
5645452 tn?1371576807
oh my god...I just happened upon this.  I have had a similar condition for over 15 years!!! The onset was the placement of a cap on my right front upper tooth.  There was an immediate shooting pain from it and up the right side of my nose! I went away that weekend and had the most severe burning pain to the tip of my tongue whenever it would touch the back of my front teeth...which is always..and a burning, metallic taste.  It was so severe that I made the dentist take the cap off.  I tried and tried to find an answer by going to all kinds of doctors.  Since then, I have replaced the cap with an implant, but no difference was experienced.  I agree that it is just the perception of burning and taste, but it is very odd that I can draw this taste back through my mouth and swallow it.  The burning sensation and taste is exhasperated if I have a fever and is almost unbearable.  I also have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy and imagine this has something to do with that.  Did you ever solve your problem?????
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am going through something similar.
Several months ago my dentist slipped with an air abrasion tool while removing decay from a tooth on top and put a hole in back of mouth the tool. The hole is healed. Ever since after I eat something really chewy side of face swells and jaw itches and I have swelling under gums on bottom, if I eat a lot of chewy foods, the outer ear becomes very itchy,and often have a nasty taste that comes from the swelling gum area. Every 3-4 days the nasty taste becomes really intense for about 15-20 minutes. I have been to a new dentist, an oral surgeon, a dental specialist, had many x rays done of whole mouth, checked for tmj, had silagram done, tested the salivary gland it is ok, had mri, everything came back normal. I have been seen by a neurologist and he said he does not think it is a nerve, I have no pain at all, just the itch, does anyone have any idea's on what can be going on? I will be seeing another neurologist but not until August.
I now have chronic nasty taste in mouth, and my left cheek is stiff, when I open mouth wide or chew I have mild cheek pain.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have very similar symptoms!  Please did you ever figure it out? I need some suggestions>
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hello,

I would recommend a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor.
There is a substance used in Ayurveda called Shilajit.
This mineral substance can bring balance to the immune
system, and removes  buildup of toxic metals from the body.

Also, Zeolite drops. And 5- 10l000 mg of Esther C daily
for a few weeks. And Magnesium orotate, 2  400 mg tablets
twice a day.

Vitamin C is the most commonly depleted nutrient, followed
by Magnesium.

Regards,

Mark
http://www.visionutopian.com.au
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
did you ever resolve this?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would love to know how you solve this situation, I have a very similar one and I am desperate too. Any advice would help.
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dental Health Community

Top Dental Answerers
Avatar universal
taipei, Taiwan
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
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.