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Can Dental Implants Cause Migraine Headaches?

posted in Patient Questions on Dental Implants, en

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Delilah, a dental implant patient, asks:
Can dental implants in the upper jaw cause migraine headaches? After having four dental implants inserted in the upper jaw I started having migraine headaches within two months. The first sign of a problem would be pressure in my head, then throbbing around the implant then the migraines–classic migraines.

My neurologist did extensive testing to see if there was a neurological problem caused directly by the dental implants. None were found. The dental surgeon said the implants didn’t cause the headache.

In my medical history it is important to note that I never had migraines or suffered from headaches before surgery. After the troublesome implant was removed — the migraines would slowly subside within a month. Several months later another implant would act up, be removed after great consideration and the migraines would stop. Within the past two and a half years four upper implants were removed. My general dentist and dental surgeon say they have not heard of migraines related to dental implants and have not been able to find any reports of this in the dental literature.

I now wear a full upper denture. The last upper implant was removed two months ago. The severe migraines have subsided but I now have low-grade headaches which the surgeon says is due to a TMJ problem and my internist wonders if it a rebound headache. The four implants in the lower jaw haven’t been problematic. Other than high cholesterol and acid reflux ( one year), both being treated by medication, I am a fairly active 63-year- old. I am also allergic to nickel. But I was assured the implant do not have not nickel in them.

Any insight would be helpful to me and the team involved. Thanks very much.

22 Responses to “ Can Dental Implants Cause Migraine Headaches? ”

• Dr.T November 25th, 2008

  
  

  TMJ problems and an occlusion that is not correct can cause headaches. This is the only likely cause of your problem that I can think of.

  If you have any restorative work in the future use a dentist that takes a facebow record and restores you in centric relation. This is a position where the muscles, jaws and joints are in a comfortable position, and should be relatively easy to do unless you have a clicking jaw.

• Dr John A Murray November 26th, 2008

  
  

  The headaches were likely TMJ/bite related.

  They WERE NOT related to your implants.

  Sorry

• Ron Neff November 26th, 2008

  
  

  Delilah-

  In your case maxillary implants as they are removed diminish migraine symptoms.

  I assume the same dentist made the denture as made the implant prosthetic. So if he can perfect the bite in the denture, why would one assume he could not create a perfected bite in the implant prosthodontics?

  I think attributing this to bite is while possible is lazy.

  Diagnosis properly comprises a list of suspicions graded for likelihood. We call this a “differential diagnosis”.

  Bite belongs on the list. Due to the history it is less likely—localization of symptoms to implant surroundings, and local relief as the implants are removed, one at a time.

  Another possibility is nueropathy.

  Let’s say a finger is pinched. The pain is felt. This is normal.

  However if we have a car that has an alarm that goes off for seemingly no reason, that would be like a nueropathy. Let’s say an implant is placed and a migraine is experienced FOR SEEMINGLY NO REASON, that would be on the differential diagnosis as Nueropathy.

  Additionally, I am a licensed California Dental Acupuncturist. I would also suspect interruption of energy flow through the meridians where the metallic implant fixtures are located which could affect the circulation in a way to trigger migraines.

  Finally, there is the placebo effect, which could describe pyschosomatic re-experience of the implant placement trauma as a migraine through unconscious mechanisms like PTSD.

  So the differential would be

  Nueropathy
  Energy Flow disruption
  Bite irregularity
  Placebo effect

  No doubt for the average practitioner these concepts are mythical rather than evidence based. And therefore often rejected out of hand. I am hoping to offer you insight into your experience, rather than deny it happened to you. And from that knowledge a modicum of peace of mind, as it seems nothing more needs to be done.

  Dr. Neff

• A. Bokhari, DDS November 27th, 2008

  
  

  Delilah,

  As someone who completed a residency in orofacial pain and currently completing a periodontics residency I can tell you that I have never heard of migraines being caused by dental implants nor am I aware of any scientific literature that suggests it. I’m not denying your concerns, however I’d like to point out that most chronic pains associated with implants, and any type of surgery for that matter, are neuropathic in nature. Meaning that the nerves are in a chronic state of inflammation and irritation. This chronic irritation can trigger migraine headaches along with many other nociceptive triggers. I can’t explain why the migraines subsided once the implants were removed since neuropathic pain (assuming that is your diagnosis)usually worsens with further surgical intervention. Another possibility which was mentioned by some of my colleagues is that you suffer from TMD (temporomandibular disorders), ofcourse I can’t tell for sure since I have not examined you. Pain origniating from your jaws and jaw joints has been shown to trigger migraines as well. In a nutshell, I highly doubt that your migraines were triggered by the implants themselves and more likely are due to the surgical trauma.

  Best,

  AB

• R. Hughes November 27th, 2008

  
  

  It is possable some minor twig of a nerve was involved, that was left from one of the dental branches. This is just a theory. We do not have all the answers.

• Dr. Mehdi Jafari November 27th, 2008

  
  

  Migrainous headache and its predisposing factors are already known to physicians.Fluctuations in estrogen level seem to trigger headaches in many women with previous history of migrainous attacks or a tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Some hormone containing medications, such as contraceptives and hormone replacements, may cause migraines as well. Certain foods such as alcoholic beverages, cheeses, chocolate; pickles, sea foods, aspartame, caffeine, monosodium glutamate , certain seasonings; and many canned or processed foods are able to trigger the headache and its other symptoms.Stress at work or home also can lead to migraines.Sensory stimuli such as bright lights and /or unusual smells,tobacco smoke, missing sleep or getting too much of it, can lead to migraine attacks in some individuals. Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity or heavy sport, may provoke migraines. Certain medications, climate or season change or any alteration in altitude or time zone can aggravate migraines. Dental implants are not potentially a risk factor for migraine unless they assist in triggering the symptoms by accompanying medications or surgical sterss.

• Neda-Moslemi November 27th, 2008

  
  

  “The first sign of a problem would be pressure in my head, then throbbing around the implant then the migraines–classic migraines.”,Delilah said.

  In addition to above suspicious causes, there maybe another possible reason:
  Maxillary sinus perforation! It is possible that the implants were placed into the (susceptible) sinus and caused sinusitis, althouth it is rare. Sinusitis can mimic migrane headache symptoms.

  Suggest you to see these articles:
  Sinus headache or migraine? Considerations in making a differential diagnosis.Cady RK, Schreiber CP. Neurology. 2002 May 14;58(9 Suppl 6):S10-4.

  Chronic daily headache: when to suspect sinus disease.Houser SM, Levine HL.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2008 Jan;12(1):45-9.

  Delilah,
  Do you have any past history of sinusitis? Didn’t your implant surgon tell you anything about the proximity of dental implants and maxillary sinus?

• Neda-Moslemi November 27th, 2008

  
  

  “After having four dental implants inserted in the upper jaw I started having migraine headaches within two months. The first sign of a problem would be pressure in my head, then throbbing around the implant then the migraines–classic migraines.”, Delilah said.

  In addition to above suspicious causes, there maybe another possible reason:
  Maxillary sinus perforation during implant placement and subsequently sinusitis, although it is rare. SINUSITIS CAN MIMIC MIGRAINE HEADACHE.
  Suggest to see these two relevant articles:

  1. Sinus headache or migraine? Considerations in making a differential diagnosis.Cady RK, Schreiber CP. Neurology. 2002 May 14;58(9 Suppl 6):S10-4.

  2. Chronic daily headache: when to suspect sinus disease.Houser SM, Levine HL. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2008 Jan;12(1):45-9.

  Delilah,
  Do you have any past history of sinusitis? Didn’t your implant surgeon tell you anything about the proximity of implant and maxillary sinus floor?

  Glad that you are fine now,
  Neda Moslemi

• Dr. Mehdi Jafari November 27th, 2008

  
  

  Dr. Moslemi
  She has been under care by her dentist,an oral surgeon and an internist.Do you think that none of them could ever ever thought or even looked for the position of the placed implants in regards to the antral cavity and its floor? Do you think that they removed the implants even without a thorough radiographic evaluation of the surrounding maxillary bone and the sinus? If there was any evidence of the antral involvement,those practitioners would certainly had found it out,at least, by looking at her sinus X-rays.

• Neda-Moslemi November 28th, 2008

  
  

  Dear Dr. Jafari,
  Yes, you are right, It is very rare. But as you know, in some situations, sinus perforation (as a consequence of implant insertion) is not evident in panoramic X-ray, and CT scan or CBCT is required to evaluate it exactly.

  On the other hand, as the patient said, the pain began within 2 months after implant insertion in upper jaw; potentially before loading. If so, TMJ problem as a cause of migraine headache will be ruled out.

  Thank you so much for your considerations about my note.
  Neda Moslemi

• Tim December 16th, 2008

  
  

  I’ve had persistent headaches for the better part of 4 years now. I have 4 implants on each upper side. I had a temp bridge on my left side for about a year before I could afford a permanent bridge. I had no problems with the temp bridge. When the permanent bridge was installed I started to get these headaches. I would have the bridge removed to give me some relief. In the beginning I would get relief from the removal. I now have the headache permanently. A couple of my implants do pierce the sinus on both sides. My headache is always on the left side, starting from just above the implants and radiating up to the mid line of my skull.
  I just came from my second ENT doctor who(after a CAT scan) insists I don’t have a sinus problem. (even though antibiotics have helped in the past). I’ve had a brain MRI with some sort of dye.
  I’ve had acupuncture 3 or 4 times. The Pedodontist sold me a night guard. My dentist gave me an NTI. I’ve probably forgotten a few details. My periodontist, after 4 years, wants me to go to an Orofacial Pain Management doctor. The latest ENT doc want me to go to a Neurologist and get another MRI of the brain.
  I’m old school. I respect all my doctors. My dentist is one of the best humans I’ve ever met. He took care of me many times when I was unemployed years ago. I don’t blame anyone. I just want to get rid of the pain. No pain meds work. I’m told I can’t remove the implants. I’m tired. I’m just tired.
  Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
  Tim

• Dr. Mehdi Jafari December 17th, 2008

  
  

  Dear Tim, first of all, I believe that you should seek for the help of a therapist.The tones of some your phrases are very suicidal and they sound that you are very desperate.Of course there is a cure for every pain and a way out for every misery.We should all get together to find a way to solve your problems for good.Before any attempt, I vehemently recommend you to have a psychologic consultation.You should know that we are all here to help.

• Tim December 17th, 2008

  
  

  Not true. No problem in that area. Just want direction on next step. Sorry to give that impression.

• Tim December 17th, 2008

  
  

  Please don’t make inferences like that on a public internet site. The moderator has my permission to remove my comment and any further comments.
  Thanks,

• ConstantPain April 4th, 2009

  
  

  I am in the final phase of a full upper dental implants. For the last 2 weeks I am having terrible headaches involviing nausea. My dentist can’t figure out what is wrong. I have paid around $ 70,000 and it is taking four year. The headaches are so intense that I am willing to loose all money already paid and get ride of the implants. I no longer believe implants are a good idea.

• Ken Clifford, DDS April 5th, 2009

  
  

  Dear Constant Pain: Thousands of folks have dental implants. Millions of folks have headaches for many different reasons. You have had implants now for at least two years, but headaches for only two weeks. Why blame the implants and/or the dentist? CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN!

• Richard Hughes DDS April 5th, 2009

  
  

  I need more info inorder to determine if this is a dental issue or a medical issue.

• Migraine Headache April 21st, 2009

  
  

  Wow, seems like everything can cause migraine headache treatments!

• vancouver April 22nd, 2009

  
  

  Mr Jafari - I am apalled at your comment. Telling someone they’re sudicidal when all they need is guidance and reassurance?

  Tim on behalf of many of us, I apologize for the comment.

  I would suggest (as I often do) MULTIPLE consults - see some specialists, take your xrays… go for some consults and see what can be done.

  Most of us cannont help much without a proper history and records (xrays, clinical exam, models, bite analysis etc). Go seek advise from experienced dentists.

  I do not downplay inexperience docs at all, but in your case… because it’s been such a long haul I’d suggest someone well trained in dealing with complex cases. Which city are you located in?

• Dr.Mehdi Jafari April 23rd, 2009

  
  

  To Vancouver,
  Sir or Madame,I am an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the background of 34 years of academic career and of course both medico-dental training.I just tried to help by asking a patient with that kind of clinical features, to seek for a professional evaluation by a physician trained in psychiatry.I do not find it appaling at all,especially when the patient does not have a full identity.
  Of course, you do not have to apologize on my behalf because if I really have offended anyone,I deeply regret it myself, but,it seems that what is really appaling to you is that somebody from another part of the world which is neither North America nor Western Europe, has made a voice.That may sound to you unforgiven or APPALING.

• Teresa August 9th, 2009

  
  

  I agree with Vancouver. There was no need to suggest the man is suicidal and needs psychological help. I am experiencing migraines myself and I have been for a brain scan, neck x-rays, bought a night guard, have been to an osteopath, bought a new bed etc. And all this because I started to have migraine headaches 2 weeks after maxillofacial surgery. It’s been 5 months now with the headaches which are debilitating at times and no one can find the problem. I too, am tired of the pain. Sorry for your suffering Tim, I am in the same boat!

• pat m August 11th, 2009

  
  

  Delilah.

  I am just another migraineur. But I can tell you this, I suffer migraines only on the left side and after having a Panoramic X-ray I believe I know why.

  There is a nerve twig which is in the exact location where the migraine originates. If it become irritated or inflamed, migraines invariably follow. Sinus changes can irritate this nerve along with other triggers.

  Migraines still apparently confound the medical community, but do not let anyone tell you that you are not suffering pain!

  Since this is an older post, I am hopeful you have found a solution to your problem in the interim.

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