If you’re missing one or more of your teeth, you’ve probably considered implant treatment. After all, they are widely considered the best long-term solution. They fix the way you talk and eat, making you smile again.
The risks and side effects of dental implants are a big consideration for anyone considering having a surgical procedure. A frequently asked question is whether dental implants cause headaches. To simply answer, no! Dental implants do not cause headaches.
However, as with any surgical procedure, the insertion of dental implants carries some extremely small risks. In a very few cases, a surgical procedure, painkillers, allergies, nerve damage, or poorly placed implants can cause headaches.
In this article, we will examine each of the causes. But before we do that, we would like to point out that the likelihood of this happening is extremely rare. Especially if you are treated by a trained, specialist physician using quality implant products.
Painkiller
In rare cases, the pain reliever given during the dental implant procedure can cause temporary side effects such as headaches.
It is important to stay hydrated (surrounded by water molecules) after dental anesthesia and sedation. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, contact your implant specialist.
anesthetics
Dentists use topical and local anesthetics, usually given by injection, before surgically placing the implants to prevent you from feeling any pain. It works by numbing the tissue of the mouth, blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain.
Local anesthetics are generally very safe and serious problems are rare. But some people report having temporary side effects such as headaches.
Sedation
Sometimes local anesthetic is used along with sedation for those who are very nervous about the procedure. Sedation helps those who are very anxious to relax and calm down before surgery.
Dental sedation can have some side effects such as headache, nausea and drowsiness. Although these side effects do not usually last very long, some people have a headache a few days after the procedure.
Surgical Procedure
Spasm
Dental implants can take some time to fit, so you may need to keep your mouth open longer than you’re used to. Having your jaw open for the procedure can cause muscle and joint pain. These can sometimes cause mild headaches of short duration.
Discomfort in Implant Placement
Discomfort may occur when screws are inserted. If you experience discomfort, it can stretch the muscles in your jaw and neck, causing a temporary headache.
Nerve Damage
Although extremely rare, damage to the surrounding nerves or sinus cavity can result from a surgical complication. This can cause facial or headache pain.
This is another reason why you need a physician who is trained in the latest procedures and uses the latest 3D cameras so they can prepare properly before the procedure.
Proper preparation is one of the things that has been shown to minimize the risks of errors that occur during implant surgery.
Misplaced Implants
Poorly placed implants can cause you to have an uneven bite. This is because the implant may cause a problem with the way your upper and lower teeth come together. The occlusion between your teeth is wrong.
This can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
The TMJ connects the jawbone to your skull, acting like a sliding hinge. It helps your jaw move while you eat and talk.
TMJ disorders (TMD) can cause headaches around the temples.
Another reason why you should have your implants treated by a fully trained and skilled physician who will ensure your bite is accurate and eliminate your chances of suffering from headaches caused by TMD.
Infection
Any surgical procedure, including the insertion of dental implants, carries a slight risk of complications from infection.
Any qualified physician will take precautionary measures and use sterilized equipment during the procedure and will give you the best aftercare instructions to minimize risks.
Implant Material
Dental implants consist of three parts. An implant is a metal post that is placed under the gum and into the jawbone. Dentures or teeth are placed on its upper part. The metal used is usually titanium. However, a new material called zirconia began to be used more frequently.
Titanium is highly biocompatible and is often used in prosthetic implants such as hip and knee replacements.
It is thought to stay in place for at least 20 years as it is non-toxic and not rejected by the body.
It is extremely rare, but a very small percentage of people can experience a titanium allergy. When you are allergic to something, the body produces histamine. Histamine lowers blood pressure. This can be the cause of the headaches.
Summary
Dental implants are very safe. They do not cause headaches and are a popular choice for those who want to replace a missing tooth or teeth.
However, while the implants themselves do not cause headaches, the surgical procedure and pain relief can cause temporary headaches in rare cases. Complications associated with dental implants and titanium allergy can cause headaches.
If you notice that you have a headache after a dental implant, you should contact your dentist immediately.
It is known that complications associated with dental implants can be greatly reduced when a skilled, trained physician properly prepares using advanced 3D technology.
