Sinus Infection After Getting Dental Implants?

Cheryl asks:
Can a sinus infection occur after having dental implants put in (still waiting for the crowns)? And if I get a sinus infection, what should I do? Do we remove the implants?

Answered by: Dr. Michael Tischler

Woodstock, NY

Dear Cheryl,

Dental implants are placed near the maxillary sinus very often. The softer bone and greater forces in the back of the mouth in the upper jaw, are often the causes for tooth loss. However, when dental implants are placed in the sinus area, special care has to be taken so that the implant doesn't violate the sinus anatomy.

This is done through bone grafting prior to implant placement or grafting during the actual implant placement.

In either case the occurrence of a sinus infection doesn't usually affect a correctly placed dental implant since the implant is separated by bone from the sinus anatomy. A sinus infection in this case can be cleared up by the appropriate antibiotic that your physician can prescribe.