By Maylands Dental Centre 
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a tooth. It supports a dental prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental implants are a procedure that has grown in popularity in recent years. More than the aesthetic benefits, teeth implants also help improve a person’s quality of life since they can improve one’s confidence, oral health, nutrition, and overall health. However, while the surgery is generally safe, some potential complications can occur.
Some people may experience ringing in their ears after dental implant surgery. This condition is known as tinnitus and can be bothersome and persistent. In most cases, tinnitus is temporary and goes away over time. However, if it persists or becomes severe, treatment from a healthcare professional is needed.
This post will explore what might be causing this problem and how you can overcome it. We’ll also discuss other potential side effects of dental implant surgery. Read on to learn more!
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Can Dental Implant Surgery Cause Ringing In The Ears?
It’s not uncommon for patients to experience some ringing in their ears after dental implant surgery. There are several possible causes of this side effect, including:
- Damage to the nerves that run from the ear to the jawbone
- An ear infection or inflammation of the tissues around the dental implant and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Exposure of the inner ear bones to dental materials or instruments during the dental implant procedure
- Trauma to the ear during dental implant surgery
- Reactions to anesthesia or other medications used during dental implant surgery
If you experience ringing in your ears after dental implant surgery, you must contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. In most cases, the ringing will resolve on its own within a few days or weeks. However, in rare cases, permanent nerve damage may occur. Therefore, it is important to get prompt medical attention if you experience any unusual side effects after dental implant surgery.
How Can You Address Ear Concerns Following Surgery?
There are a few things you can do to address ringing in the ears or other ear concerns after dental implant placement.
- Follow all of your dental surgeon’s post-operative instructions. This includes taking prescribed antibiotics, and pain medications and eating soft foods for the first week or two.
- You can try using over-the-counter ear drops to help relieve any discomfort.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery, as these can irritate the healing tissues.
- Try using a noise machine or white noise app to help drown out the ringing sound. Alternatively, some people find relief from tinnitus by wearing earplugs during the day.
- If you are still experiencing ringing in the ears or other ear concerns after two weeks, please get in touch with your dental surgeon. These issues are often resolved independently; however, your dentist can provide additional tips or resources if needed.
Following these tips can help minimise any discomfort following dental implant surgery and enjoy your new smile!
What Are the Other Possible Complications of Dental Implant Surgery?
There are many possible complications associated with dental implant surgery. These include the following: infection, nerve damage, sinus problems, and problems with the jawbone. In most cases, these complications are rare and can be effectively managed. However, it is important to know the potential risks before undergoing dental implant surgery.
Infection
Infection is one of the most common complications of dental implant surgery. This happens when bacteria enter the surgical site. Bacterial infection can usually be addressed with antibiotics but, in some cases, may require additional surgery. Severe cases of ear infection due to dental implants can lead to hearing difficulties or hearing loss.
The signs and symptoms of infection that you should look out for include the following:
- Swelling
- Jaw pain
- Facial pain
- Redness
- Drainage from the implant site
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is another potential complication. Common symptoms are numbness or tingling in the lips, gums, or chin. In some cases, this may be temporary, but in others, it may be permanent.
Nerve damage is usually caused by damage to the nerves during surgery. It can also be caused by an infection or inflammation in the area around the implant.
Sinus Problems
Sinus problems can also occur after dental implant surgery. This is because the implants can interfere with the normal drainage of the sinuses. As a result, patients may experience pain, pressure, or congestion in their sinuses.
In worst cases, perforation of the sinus membranes can occur. This is a serious complication that can result in infection or other serious problems.
Implant Failure
Although dental implants are typically successful, there is a small risk that they may fail. Dental implant failure can occur if the implant does not fuse properly to the bone. This can usually be remedied with additional surgery.
Damage to Surrounding Teeth and Tissues
Dental implants require a certain amount of space in the mouth. If these parameters are not satisfied, damage to surrounding structures can occur. In addition, the implant procedure can cause tissue damage as well as damage to nearby teeth. This is why it is important to have a skilled and experienced surgeon perform the procedure.
Jawbone Problems
Problems with the jawbone are another possible complication of dental implant surgery. If the implant is placed while there is active gum disease, the jaw bone may shrink and deteriorate. This can cause shifting of the implant. Aside from this, bone loss can cause premature aging of the face leading to a sunken appearance and changes in bite alignment.
Final Thoughts
Although dental implant surgery is generally safe, some potential complications can occur. One of the most common is ringing in the ears. Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, can be caused by many different factors. It may be due to damage to the inner ear structures from the surgical procedure or infection at the surgical site.
If you experience any unusual symptoms after your dental implant surgery, please do not hesitate to book an appointment through our website or call Maylands Dental Centre.
We would be happy to help you address any concerns and provide further information about this condition. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked questions
Dental implants have numerous benefits, including the following:
- Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.
- They are stable and will not slip or move.
- They do not require special care. Brush and floss them just like you would your natural teeth.
- They can help preserve bone loss and prevent gum deterioration.
- They can last a long time with proper care.
- They can improve your speech.
- They can improve your appearance and boost your confidence.
- They can help you to chew food more effectively, leading to better nutrition.
Dental implant surgery is a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Good candidates for dental implant surgery typically have the following qualifications:
- Good overall health: Dental implant surgery is a major medical procedure. As such, patients need to be in good overall health before undergoing the procedure.
- A strong jawbone: Dental implants are placed in the jawbone. For the implants to be successful, the jawbone must be strong and dense enough to support them.
- Healthy gums: Patients with gum disease or other oral health problems are not good candidates for dental implants. Gum disease causes bone deterioration compromising the attachment of implants
- Non-smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications following dental implant surgery.
- A willingness to commit to oral hygiene: Dental implants require good oral hygiene to last a long time. Patients must be willing to commit to a good oral hygiene routine to ensure the success of their implants.
- Cleared medical history: Implant patients should not have any chronic illnesses that could complicate the surgery or prevent proper healing, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and active cancer.
Dental implants can be quite expensive, with the average cost ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 per tooth. This price can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- Your medical history: Any existing health conditions that could complicate the dental implant procedure could increase the cost.
- The state of your teeth: If you have healthy teeth and gums, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. However, if you have periodontal disease or other issues with your teeth, this could increase the cost.
- The type of dental implants: There are different types of dental implants available, and each type has its own cost. Your dentist can advise you on the right type of implant for your needs.
- The number of dental implants: The more dental implants you need, the higher the cost will be.
- Your location: The cost of dental implants can vary depending on where you live. Dental implant procedures are generally more expensive in urban areas than in rural ones.
No, dental implant surgery should not hurt. You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around your teeth, and you should not feel any pain during the dental treatment procedure.
After the surgery, you may experience some soreness or tenderness in your gums, but this can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications. If you experience significant pain or discomfort after the surgery, you should contact your dentist immediately.
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