I am suffering chronic pain two years after my second dental implant and have to take Neurontin (Gabapentin) 3 times per day to suppress it. My dentist and a neurologist say that this is probably caused by nerve damage. How common is this? What percentage of implants result in this kind of problem?
Thanks, Paul
Dear Paul,
It is rare for a dental implant to cause nerve damage, however can happen. According to research this is not very common at all and dental implants have a success rate of about 96 percent. When a dental implant is placed too close to the nerve, damage can happen to the nerve causing numbness or even pain. This pain can be temporary or permanent. Implants that are placed on top of the nerve can cause intense pain which it sounds like you may be experiencing. In order to relieve the pain your best option may be to have the dental implant removed. We advise you to consult with an implant dentist to see what options he may recommend.
Post courtesy of Dr. Kitchen and Dr. Stapley, Mesa Arizona dentists