In short: Can an upper dental implant cause a runny nose? How implants relate to the sinus, warning signs and how specialists prevent it.
Why do I have a stuffy nose after a dental implant procedure?
When you have an implant in the front, the middle incisor, lateral incisor teeth, and those four front teeth are near to the base of your nose. The distance between the bottom of the nose and the roots is extremely short.
Many nerve endings, including the nasopalatine nerve, run down the middle of your mouth behind your front teeth. They can be irritated slightly, almost like a tickle, during the implant procedure. These tiny nerve endings can be aggravated during the dental implant placement, causing things to feel a little off for a few days. As a result, people will sometimes have a runny nose, or believe they are becoming ill as a result of the treatment, although they are not.
When do you develop a runny nose after dental implants?
It occurs almost immediately after the treatment and is almost always temporary. It may also be from the oxygen you were given during the dental implant procedure. It can dry out the nose slightly if you’ve had the treatment under sedation and had some supplemental oxygen supplied to you during the operation.
What should I do about the runny nose after the dental implant procedure?
If you feel stuffy afterward, an over-the-counter decongestant such as Sudafed, or simply letting it run its course, is usually the best option; ask your dentist or pharmacist what is suitable for you. During the recovery, you should wipe your nose rather than blow it hard. The condition is temporary, so you do not have to worry.
How can a dental implant cause a stuffy nose?
If an implant was placed too deeply and into the nose, it might cause issues where the nose’s lining or mucosa becomes irritated. In that case, your dentist may need to replace the implant or reduce the top portion of the implant.
Remember that the sinus cavities are not the same as the nasal cavity. They are interconnected, but the nasal cavity in the front of the mouth is distinct. On patients who don’t have a lot of bone, a sinus lift may be performed. During the sinus lift, bone is added between the sinus floor and the top of the implant to achieve a slightly taller bone. However, it is not always necessary.
It is not unusual to purposefully position the implant so that it just reaches the floor of the nose, as this strengthens the implant. It’s something that’s been done for a long time, and Dr. Adatrow has been doing it for more than 30 years. However, if you do have a stuffy nose, remember that it will go away.
What to Do If You Have a Runny Nose After Implant Surgery
You can do a few things, and some you should avoid, if you have a runny or stuffy nose after dental implant surgery.
- To relieve a runny nose, gently wipe it with a tissue.
- To avoid sinus strain, sneeze with your mouth open.
- Make use of a nasal decongestant (ask your implant dentist for a recommendation).
- To help remove any hardened nasal debris, gently moisten the area just inside the base of your nose with a saline-soaked cotton swab.
What should you not do if you have a runny nose after implant surgery?
- Blow your nose – this increases sinus pressure, which can disturb the surgical area and make things worse.
- Drink through a straw.
Any of the following behaviors will cause sinus pressure to rise: blowing up balloons, using your mouth to play musical instruments, swimming, or scuba diving.
Looking for the best dental implants in Mississippi? Dr. Adatrow can help!
If you have any further questions about oral health, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Adatrow. Dr. Adatrow has more than 30 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%, and can provide you with the best possible dental treatment. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Periodontist in Hernando, MS region. Please get in touch with our office for your consultation now!
Runny nose: talk to a specialist
Every mouth is different, so the right answer on runny nose depends on your teeth, gums and health history. Our board-certified specialists in Southaven, MS, near Memphis, can examine you, explain your options and give you a clear written plan. Call (662) 655-4868 or book a consultation.