Why do I have severe dry mouth after All-on-Four implants?

Question

It has been 10 months since I had my surgery and 5 months since I got my permanents. My mouth is severely dry. I am miserable! This affects how I look, how I talk, how I smile, everything. I am more self conscience now than I ever was before I got this procedure done. People look at me funny, trying to figure out what's wrong with my mouth/teeth. I am using Biotene tooth paste, mouth wash and spray every day. I was chewing gum constantly as well. None of this helps!

Jyoti Singh, MDS · Answer

Dry mouth can be due to various reasons. I am assuming that you were wearing dentures before all on four implants and teeth. Usually denture wears causing excessive salivation more than the normal. Taking off dentures might be one reason. 
Among the more likely types to cause problems are some of the drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure and anxiety, as well as some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants and pain medications. Also illnesses like liver diseases, stress, anxiety , depression, radiation exposure etc also can cause dry mouth.

If possible show yourself to a physician. You can ask your local dentist for an artificial salivary substitute, common brand in India is Saleva. I am sure that will help

Jose Valenzuela, DDS · Answer

There are certain medications or conditions that cause dry mouth. Be sure to visit your dentist and have him take a look as these teeth should feel natural.

Alex Fibishenko, BDSc - Account Suspended · Answer

Dry mouth can result from various causes when undergoing an All-On-4 procedure:
- Medication: after 10 months you should not be on medication specific to the procedure itself, but be mindful that other medications can have this side effect (eg. drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma, etc);
- Dehydration: its important to ensure that you drink plenty of plain water throughout the day to avoid dehydration;
- Sinus issues, which may be from an allergy, or can also be from the original surgery, which cause you to breathe through your mouth;
- Certain medical conditions like Diabetes, Sjogrens Syndrome or other autoimmune conditions can cause a dry mouth;
- Menopause;
All the above are examples of causes that may not necessarily relate to the procedure itself. However, the procedure itself can also cause dry mouth when:
- the prosthesis is bulky;
- when the Occlusal Vertical Dimension is incorrect. Signs of this might be knocking of the teeth or speech difficulties. If the surgery was inadequate in providing necessary restorative space to accomodate the teeth, this may be difficult to fix;
- acrylic material is common with All-On-4, but whilst there is no clear evidence, I have seen improvement in patients with dry mouth when changing to a different material, like zirconia.

Why do I have severe dry mouth after All-on-Four implants?

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Why do I have severe dry mouth after All-on-Four implants?

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Everything you need to know about All-on-4 Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.