Living with Chronic Pain After Dental Implant Issues: A 17-Month Struggle
Approximately five years ago, I underwent the placement of two dental implants, skipping the recommended CT scan beforehand. This oversight resulted in dire complications: a perforation of the lingual cortical plate, subsequent infections, and swelling in my mandibular glands. Following a series of treatments, which included the removal of the implants and curettage, I now endure persistent and excruciating pain that has lasted for an astonishing 17 months. My diagnosis is mandibular osteomyelitis. Despite my best efforts to alleviate this pain, including the use of antibiotics, various pain relief medications, and even morphine coupled with medical cannabis, I have found no significant reprieve. The discomfort has been incessant and intolerable since the implants were inserted. I am reaching out for insights, shared experiences, or advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. What strategies did you employ? Were there any particular methods or treatments that aided your recovery or alleviated your pain? I am a 53-year-old woman weighing 50 kg.
Answers (1)
9/2/2025, 8:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the ongoing pain and complications you are experiencing after your dental implant procedures. Chronic pain, especially in cases like yours with mandibular osteomyelitis, can significantly impact your quality of life, and it’s understandable to seek answers and support.
Main Points:
- Persistent pain following dental procedures can sometimes lead to complex chronic issues.
- A multi-faceted approach involving different strategies may provide some relief.
Explanation:
Mandibular osteomyelitis can be challenging to manage due to various factors, including the nature of the infection, surrounding tissue health, and individual pain responses. The fact that you have tried several medications without significant relief shows the need for a more comprehensive pain management strategy.
Next Steps:
-
Pain Management Review:
- Engage with a pain management specialist to explore options such as nerve blocks, physical therapy, or specialized pain medications. They might help address the pain more effectively than standard approaches.
-
Physical Therapy:
- Consider working with a physical therapist who specializes in chronic pain or jaw-related issues. They can help develop exercises that may improve mobility and reduce discomfort in the affected area.
-
Psychological Support:
- Chronic pain can take a toll on mental health. Support from a psychologist or counselor, particularly those familiar with chronic pain management, could provide coping strategies and support.
-
Lifestyle and Self-Care:
- Focus on gentle activities that you enjoy to distract from pain. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, gentle yoga, or mindfulness, may also help manage pain perception.
-
Nutrition and Supplements:
- Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet. Some people find that certain anti-inflammatory foods (like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or flaxseeds) can be soothing. Always check with your healthcare team before starting any supplements.
-
Support Groups:
- Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges might offer additional coping strategies and emotional support. Look for chronic pain or condition-specific groups, either online or in your local area.
If you haven't already, documenting your pain patterns and triggers in a pain diary could help health professionals better understand and tailor your treatment plan. Remember, this journey can take time, and it's important to stay empowered in your quest for relief. Please take care, and I hope you find effective strategies to manage your pain.
Related Questions
Seeking Clarity on a Pediatric Surgical Experience
One of my earliest recollections involves surgical gauze wrapped around my genitals and being cautioned to exercise caution regarding my circumcision. This incident dates back to around 1972, when I was roughly three years old. My brother, who was eleven at the time, corroborates this memory and recalls that the bandage remained in place for "a few weeks." His recollection is a bit unclear, but he does remember seeing me running around without pants and with a gauze dressing. He believes the dressing wasn't overly bulky and doesn't recall any stent being used. However, I am aware that his memory may not be completely accurate based on other conversations we've had. He recalls being informed that I underwent surgery for an undescended testicle, yet was never made aware of a circumcision being involved. Later, a physician indirectly confirmed that I had undergone an early orchidopexy. This memory piques my curiosity, particularly since my parents have never brought it up with me. I have knowledge of having glanular/coronal hypospadias, and the details of my situation appear to align with images I’ve encountered depicting partial hypospadias corrections. This leads me to wonder if my circumcision might have actually been related to hypospadias surgery. Unfortunately, any tangible proof of these events was lost when I underwent gender confirmation surgery as a trans woman three decades ago. It's conceivable that the standard circumcision procedure typically performed at birth could have been postponed, given that I was born slightly premature and had significant Rh disease and hypoxia. But could it have been deferred until I reached the age of three? I have made attempts to obtain my medical records, but unfortunately, they have been destroyed over the years. While I understand that definitive answers may be elusive, I would greatly appreciate any insights or thoughts on this matter.
Concerns About Potential Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
For the past three to four years, I have been dealing with a persistent numbness in my left foot. Initially, I suspected it might be due to a pinched nerve or perhaps something similar, but the sensation has never completely returned. As time has gone by, I've encountered additional worrying symptoms: - My feet have started to develop a purple hue, particularly evident when I sit in positions that put pressure on my legs or when I take a shower. This discoloration has become one of the most alarming signs of my condition. - The growth of my toenails has slowed considerably, and they now appear uneven and ridged. - Additionally, my feet have a temperature that feels significantly colder than the rest of my body, and they no longer grow hair as they once did. I do not smoke and I’m not diabetic; however, I have high cholesterol and received an elevated result on a lipoprotein test. The prospect of PAD is frightening to me, as it seems synonymous with a grim future. I have been referred to a cardiologist, but they are reluctant to conduct an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test since I am under 35. I want to remain hopeful and believe I don't have PAD, yet I struggle to identify any other plausible explanations for these symptoms. What could be potential alternatives to consider, if any exist?
Unexplained Left Chest Pain, Electric-Like Jabs in Lower Back, and Unusual Headaches
Hi there, I’m a 15-year-old experiencing some peculiar health issues lately. A visit to my doctor led to a diagnosis of anxiety and poor posture after I complained about headaches and strange, electric sensations rising through my head. However, after that appointment, I became aware of pain in my heart and strange discomfort in my left chest accompanied by difficulty breathing. Initially, I thought these symptoms aligned with anxiety, but they persisted long enough to cause concern. To rule out any serious conditions, I underwent a blood test, which fortunately came back normal. Despite the positive results, I continued to feel unusual pains in my heart region and a peculiar ache in my lower abdomen. The doctor had previously mentioned my poor posture and identified an issue with my occipital nerve, which I’ve somewhat addressed. Now, though, I find myself having intermittent back pain and brief discomfort just beneath my left lung. These pains are indeed strange; they don’t always last long, sometimes just fading after five seconds or they might stick around for several minutes. I tend to spend a lot of time in bed and don’t often leave the house, yet when I do, these pains still occur. Thankfully, they aren’t debilitating, but I can't help but feel anxious thinking something might be significantly wrong with my health. It’s unsettling and I’d prefer not to dwell on such thoughts. To summarize: I experience chest pain in my lower left quadrant, specifically near my lung, alongside a mild but uncomfortable sensation that waxes and wanes. Additionally, I suffer from headaches located on the upper left side of my head. I apologize for any grammatical errors as I used voice-to-text for this message. Another detail that might be relevant is that I have recently quit vaping, now almost 22 days ago, and I wonder if this could be part of the recovery process.
Understanding Kidney Pain: Should You Be Concerned?
As a 15-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB), I've been dealing with acid reflux, although I've been neglecting to take any supplements. I also have scoliosis, which I doubt is linked to my current issue. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my kidney area, specifically in my back, where my kidneys are situated. My mother suggested that this discomfort might indeed stem from my kidneys. For several months now, I haven't pinpointed the cause. I typically consume about 1 to 1.5 liters of water daily, and occasionally I drink cola, though I've reduced that due to my reflux. I sometimes have peach juice or plain tea, but those drinks have become quite infrequent. Despite my fluid intake, it seems my pain level remains consistent regardless of what I drink. The pain primarily affects my right kidney, but during more intense episodes, I also feel discomfort in my left kidney. I've tried lying down and applying gentle pressure to the area, which provides a bit of relief. Aside from occasional bladder discomfort today, I haven't experienced any additional pain that relates to my kidneys, aside from the persistent back pain from scoliosis and the usual stomach and chest pains from my reflux. Is it necessary for me to consult a doctor about this concern? 🥺 I am hesitant to go unless it's truly serious because I was hospitalized last summer due to undiagnosed tics and twitches—likely anxiety-related—and I spent the entire winter seeing doctors for this issue and my scoliosis. I’m also worried about missing school due to more medical appointments, especially since my doctor has a packed schedule, and I'm uncertain if she would prioritize my concern if it doesn't seem urgent. When I was hospitalized last summer, tests including urine and blood analysis showed no significant issues, so I'm unsure whether this warrants another visit now.
Persistent Shin Discomfort
For the past year, I have been grappling with ongoing discomfort in my shins. Despite consulting multiple physiotherapists and doctors, I have yet to find a solution to my problem. My routine has included extensive strength training targeting my hips, glutes, calves, and lower leg muscles. I've also taken steps to improve my running form and have experimented with various recovery techniques, such as foam rolling and using massage devices. No matter what I try, the pain persists, specifically on the inner side of my lower legs. Initially, I suspected that I was suffering from shin splints. However, given my varied attempts at treatment and the lack of improvement, I am starting to believe that the issue might be something different. Even mundane activities, like walking around at home, have become increasingly uncomfortable, not to mention my inability to ride a stationary bike without experiencing pain. If anyone has any insights or recommendations that could assist me in alleviating this issue, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your help! I'm a 20-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 70 kilograms.