Can a problem with dental implant go undetected with X-rays? Could issues with implant cause chronic sore throat and headache?

Question

About ten years ago I received a titanium implant for my front tooth. The tooth was extremely infected after a failed apicoectomy years prior. The tooth is solid in my bone and not painful, but there is a bit of a tingling sensation. I think something is wrong because for years, when I push under my nose small amount of foul tasting discharge comes out of the gums behind my tooth. I also have felt sick for several years and am wondering if this could be contributing to my general health.

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD · Answer

Conventional X-rays do not provide full diagnostic imaging necessary in some circumstances. A cone beam CT scan is the best way to evaluate the implant and supporting structures and assess the source of the discharge.

Hisham Kaloti, DDS (retired) · Answer

Infections are possible, and low grade infections around implants are hard to diagnose just by looking at X-rays.

You should have the implant check by a dentist. They'll check the gums and bone around the implant in conjunction with any X-rays and come up with some answers for you.

Can a problem with dental implant go undetected with X-rays? Could issues with implant cause chronic sore throat and headache?

Answers (2)

More Dental Implants Questions

Can a problem with dental implant go undetected with X-rays? Could issues with implant cause chronic sore throat and headache?

Answers (2)

More Dental Implants Questions

Block bone graft (from chin) after failed dental implant surgery: now the tooth is exposed. What to do? (photos)

Is it normal for there to be a blood clot forming over stage 2 of dental implant?

I was born with cleft lip and palate in 1969. I'm looking at total replacement top and bottom. I'm far from a normal case.