When Your Body Attacks Your Teeth: Combating Autoimmune Dental Problems

Dental Implants And Sinus Issues: How To Avoid Complications

Have you lost a tooth? Are you considering dental implants but are worried about your sinuses? There is a way out.

The upper back teeth are located very close to the maxillary sinus. The loss of a tooth leads to bone loss around the area of the tooth.

In case dental implants are fitted in this area, they are likely to poke through into the sinus cavity, just above the tooth, causing sinus infections. Fortunately, such complications can be avoided.

Before Installing Dental Implants

Before installing dental implants, the dental surgeon will examine your bone structure to ensure you have sufficient bone mass to hold the implant. He will then perform what is called a sinus lift. This surgery is meant to free space around the sinus cavity so that he can graft extra bone. The implant is generally installed after the new bone has settled.

If you have a history of sinus infections, you are advised to take extra precautions and let your dentist know.

Treatment of Sinusitis

Have the sinus infections treated, through a combination of medication and surgery. You will then follow the normal procedure of getting a sinus lift/bone graft. Consult your dentist for further advice.

After Installing Dental Implants

Though rare, chronic sinus infections may occur after the installation of dental implants, especially if a sinus lift/bone graft was not performed.

In such a case, your dental surgeon will perform a sinus surgery to create space in the sinus cavity for easy drainage of the sinus.

Alternatively, the dental implant is repaired or completely removed. The surgeon will then perform a sinus lift and bone graft and repeat the procedure.

After Care

Although dental implants have a very high success rate, it is important to keep monitoring your oral health for signs of sinus infections. This is especially important if you have a history of sinusitis.

Symptoms include fever, pain and swelling that does not go away with time, continued bleeding or possible dislodging of the grafted bone.

Final Thoughts

There is a close relationship between dental implants and sinus infections. This can be due to pre-existing conditions such as bone loss around the area of the implant and sinus problems.

To avoid complications, have your sinuses treated before getting implants. Your dentist can also perform a sinus lift/bone graft to reduce the risk of infections. Complications after implants can be solved through sinus surgery.


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