Stuffy Nose After Dental Implant?

Question

I had tooth #13 extracted and implanted, tooth #16 extracted at the same time. After 5 days onwards, I am feeling nasal congestion, I was on Amoxyllin 500 mg thrice a day, and after the doctor prescribed Augmentin. I am feeling stuffy nose and some pressure. I checked with the dentist who did implant, he ordered CT and confirmed it is not in sinus. Usually I don't get cold or stuffy nose in years. Is something related with the dental implant surgery The doctor ordered CT, I showed it Oral surgeon, he felt it did not in sinus. I have seen ENT, he checked with endoscope, he does not see any infection. After 4 weeks, I went back to ENT again, he prescibed Flonase nasal spray. No pain or drainage. Please advise me What to do next.

Mauricio C. Tijerino, DMD · Answer

Of course it could be just a coincidence and could be developing a cold. If the stuffy nose and pressure is on both sides then it may not be the implant.

	However, if it is only on the left side, then most likely the implant is to blame. CT scans are very valuable to rule out a sinus penetration but it is not absolutely infallable. There could be minute perforation of the sinus membrane that is not picked up by the CT. You should have been given antibiotics as a precaution. At this point, even if you took antibiotics, I would recommend a stronger and more sinus specific antibiotic. If your dentist is properly trained with implant surgery he/she should be able to handle it. If not then you will need an oral surgeon to handle it.

	It may heal up on its own but if not you could develop a very bad sinus infection and the implant may have to be removed, so make sure it is properly handled.

	good luck

	Dr. T

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

Tooth #13 is located right near the left maxillary sinus. Although the dentist confirmed that it was not in the sinus via a CT scan you could have developed a sinusitis ( an infection in the sinus). I would speak to the dentist or your ENT to see if you need an antibiotic.

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

Tooth #13 is located directly under the floor of your sinus. It is possible that you developed a slight sinusitis as a normal sequellae of the implant surgery. Check with an ENT doc if there is any antibiotic necessary.

Stuffy Nose After Dental Implant?

Answers (3)