Many patients are concerned that their dental implants may be causing headaches. Headaches are often related to dental issues, so it is natural to be concerned, especially if the headaches started just after you had an implant put in.

Dental implants, usually made of titanium, are metal posts which are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once the implant is attached, a false tooth is then placed over it. There are several benefits to dental implants, the main one being that, unlike crowns or bridges, they don’t require structural support from natural teeth. Dental implants are strong, and should look and feel just like your natural teeth.

Now, when it comes to headaches, the titanium shouldn’t be causing them. This is because titanium is highly biocompatible; it’s the go-to metal used for a number of surgical implant procedures such as joint implants. For your dental implant to be effective, the titanium must integrate with your jawbone. This means that as the bone heals, it will fuse with the titanium. This should happen naturally, and has not been shown to cause headaches.

Because of this, dental implants themselves should not be causing you headaches. If you are experiencing headaches following a dental implant, you should consult your dentist right away. It could be one or more of the following issues:

  • Surgical complications: A dental implant is a surgical procedure, and that can come with some side effects, including headaches. Any damage to the sinus cavity or the surrounding nerves could result in facial or head pain. In very rare cases there may be some nerve damage. If this is the case, it’s important to seek treatment from a specialist as soon as possible. Surgical complications from dental implants are very rare, as the procedure is quite commonplace and safe. However, they can still occur and if you have facial, head, or neck pain following a dental implant procedure make sure to see your dentist as soon as you can.
  • TMJ: TMJ can occur due to a misaligned bite and can cause tension headaches. Headaches and both facial and jaw pain are common symptoms of TMJ. If you suspect you may be suffering from jaw misalignment, or TMJ, make an appointment with your dentist. TMJ treatment should put a stop to the headaches.
  • Infection: If your implant becomes infected, you may notice some pain and swelling in the area itself. If you notice any sign of infection see your dentist right away for treatment.

Fortunately, dental implants are very safe and it is rare that anything goes wrong. If you do experience any unusual pain or discomfort, make sure to call your dentist right away!