Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Nemesis on June 28, 2015, 09:45:01 AM
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Has anybody heard any anecdotal evidence of people becoming allergic to the titanium or the other 10% of metal that Is in dental implants.
I have 9 implants put in progressively since 2003. In Feb 2014 I had three put in my lower jaw, I already had one there and a large porcelain bridge put on, my own teeth have failed over the years due to gum disease.
Although I already had upper implants since these last three went in, I have got progressively sicker and sicker since Feb 2014.
I am probably at the lowest point I have ever been, I've feel weak, fatigued, like CFS hopeless, have weird joint pains, brain fog, poor concentration, ear pain, ear ringing, anxiety .like I never had in my life, sleep for no more than two hours before waking and that is with the aid of sleeping pills, metallic taste in mouth, loss of appetite which is unheard of in me in 59 years. I honestly feel like I have been poisoned. Sorry to sound dramatic but I need to get across how I feel.
I have been seeing Drs for the last 8 months. brain MRI clear. Nobody knows what's wrong and GP and DH want me on AD's.
I came across a US forum that was full of people that have these issues and more and have titanium implants. Apparently only 3% of people who have these get these symptoms and as they are not at the site of the implant dentists will not remove them. People were being diagnosed with Lupus, RA even Parkinson's and it was actually a metal allergy. The effects were cumulative the more they had the worse they got. But some got ill after just having one or two.
I woukd be grateful for any comments.
I Remeber when when we all had those Mercury fillings years ago and were told they were safe.
I am in serious panic mode and dentist doesn't want to know, says there is nothing wrong with them and doesn't know how to remove ones that have taken only those that fail.
I think I need to be referred to an Oral Surgeon but will he just back up dentist ?
I feel I have a time bomb in my mouth so Feeling a bit desperate
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Sorry Nemesis, I can't help re the implants but wanted to send you huge hugs an hope you find some answers to put your mind at rest
Purplenanny x x
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Nemesis - I am sceptical about this allergy to titanium thing. Like so many things people are often desperate to blame something for the way they feel and the internet is full of scare mongering so one should be careful - the USA is rife with all sorts of conspiracy theories etc.
I believe they still use mercury in fillings - it's a tiny amount though and is still the best filling material for longevity. I think it tends to be when they remove these old fillings that there can be an issue but they suction everything so thoroughly it shouldn't be a problem.
Your lack of sleep alone would be enough to make you feel truly dreadful - you poor thing :hug:
Regarding ADs: I want to tell you about a friend of mine who hates to take any pills - she has to be in real pain to even take one paracetomol. A few years ago she went through a particularly bad time with many things going wrong in her life, she couldn't sleep or eat and was getting really low. Her GP just took her in hand and explained she needed some time out from the terrible anxiety and that some ADS for a few months would give her time to recover her strength. She did as he suggested and she now looks back and realises it was the best thing she could have done at the time. She was able to eat and sleep and within 6 months had her health back. You sound in such a bad way, maybe you should let your GP prescribe something to give your body the break it needs. Keep posting DG x
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I doubt if anyone is 'allergic' to titanium, that is the WHOLE point of using this form of implant. Also, very few people World Wide were 'allergic' to amalgam fillings. The 'mercury' can leach into the blood system but it is rare.
So far mine have been fine …… what does your Dental Surgeon say, the one who fitted them? you don't seem to mention his opinion :-\ ……. I doubt if ANY Surgeon would be dismissive as this is very new technology and certainly, mine like to see the effects of his handiwork: like every 6 months currently. It may be that you have general gum disease anyway?
You ask for 'anecdotal evidence' - if you trawl the net for long enough you will find it! Has your GP done blood tests for thyroid etc.?
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Whilst cleaning my nasshers this morning I thought of you Nemesis and wondered what mouth hygeine routine your Surgeon suggested following implants. If you have had treatment since 2013 it is unlikely that the titanium is a problem. I wonder if the Dentist changed the cement from that used initially, I take it that your treatment was performed in the same Dental Practice for continuity?
The reason my Dentist did mine over a period of years is to gauge any adverse reaction, i.e. I had teeth removed; socket allowed to heal; drilling and cleaning of socket followed by titanium 'stem' which is the 'implant'. A few months later after the jaw bone had healed a top to the tooth was fitted. This is the same colour as my own teeth and is stuck down with 'cement' but does not touch the gum. The gap between the titanium 'stem' implanted and the final tooth was to allow for any rejection of the jaw bone to the titanium at which point it would have been removed (the stem not the jaw). The titanium is implanted using a screw movement with a drill and fitted firmly into the socket.
Since then I have been seen every 6 months. I have been advised to use those fiddly Tee-pee cleaners :-X inbetween the implants, getting between ALL the teeth particularly into the gum area. I am surprised at the amount of food debris that remains after brushing :o and the Tee-pees do help.
I believe that Titanium is used in total hip replacement surgery these days (stainless steel and plastic balls in my day ::) ). If people were reacting badly to the implants then they would be withdrawn.
What blood tests etc. has your GP done for you? Your symptoms could be caused by a range of conditions, from the common cold to being aneamic!
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I am seeing various specialists on this now.
As such you are correct I am not allergic to titanium per say what I have got us a kind of metal toxicity (this is very rare), basically its a bit like metal poisoning - I'm pretty frightened about this.
Titanium implants are not 100 % titanium they are normally 90% titanium and 10% other metal, the other metal varies dependant on brand. Also the bridges and crowns we have also could have other metals in them, gold, silver etc on rare occasions people have problems the more metals and differing kind of metals they have in their mouth. Remember how we all though Mercury fillings were safe when we were kids.
A lot of people don't realise they have an issue but think they have a second unconnected condition running simultaneously, such as Fibromyalgia, lupus, OA, RA, other auto immune condition, symptoms present as auto immune and nobody makes the connection as all looks well at the site of the implant.
Dick Van Dyke the legendary actor of Mary Poppins fame had this for 7 years, my symptoms are more extreme than his are documented as.
http://www.newsmax.com/Health/Headline/Dick-Van-Dyke-mystery-illness-dental-implants-titanium/2013/06/03/id/507736/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2334101/Dick-Van-Dyke-learns-cause-pounding-headaches-hes-suffered-past-seven-years.html
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I am seeing various specialists on this now.
As such you are correct I am not allergic to titanium per say what I have got us a kind of metal toxicity (this is very rare), basically its a bit like metal poisoning - I'm pretty frightened about this.
Titanium implants are not 100 % titanium they are normally 90% titanium and 10% other metal, the other metal varies dependant on brand. Also the bridges and crowns we have also could have other metals in them, gold, silver etc on rare occasions people have problems the more metals and differing kind of metals they have in their mouth. Remember how we all though Mercury fillings were safe when we were kids.
A lot of people don't realise they have an issue but think they have a second unconnected condition running simultaneously, such as Fibromyalgia, lupus, OA, RA, other auto immune condition, symptoms present as auto immune and nobody makes the connection as all looks well at the site of the implant.
Dick Van Dyke the legendary actor of Mary Poppins fame had this for 7 years, my symptoms are more extreme than his are documented as.
http://www.newsmax.com/Health/Headline/Dick-Van-Dyke-mystery-illness-dental-implants-titanium/2013/06/03/id/507736/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2334101/Dick-Van-Dyke-learns-cause-pounding-headaches-hes-suffered-past-seven-years.html
CKLD I. Haven't listed all my symptoms but they are not being caused by a common cold.
I am probably going to be seen by someone at The Eastman dental hospital as that is where my dentist trained, it is a specialist field. I have been ill since my last three went in and highly symptomatic since last October. I have had endless bloods done, Brain MRI too many tests to mention. I have had about 40 different medical/dental appointments since last November.
I will probably be off the board for a while as I am so debilitated. But am very grateful for all the replies
Anyone who comes across this post please note this is very rare, millions are fine with titanium implants. Also it's not just the titanium It us the other metals as well.
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Make a list of your symptoms to take with you and let us know how you get on!
I had a thunk this morning: you have had lots of surgical intervention in your jaw, which means a build up of tension regarding this; then the implant procedures so maybe your body/brain are reacting i.e. coming 'down' from the adrenaline which kept you going whilst the appointments were happening. I get like this sometimes, the build up is intense even if it's something I want to do :( then the adrenaline stops and I crash.
Please don't disappear completely :-\
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Hi CLKD
I have been seeing various people about this, but I was wondering if you could answer me a question (meno brain allowing). I've read some of your posts and you talk about having 'spaniels ear' and then sometimes mention ringing in the ears or maybe Pulsatile tinnitus on occasions.
I think I read you have 3 implants. Did you have all the above before you had the implants or has that come in since.
Sorry for being nosey and no worries if you can't remember
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Not nosey at all. Firstly my 'teeth' that are fixed onto the titanium implant have NO other metals in them. They look and feel like 'my' teeth. They work the same and were well matched for colour. The titanium 'implant'/pin is so thin and small it is unlikely that there is any possibility of leaching into the blood stream. My Dentist dropped 1 of mine onto my tongue :o and I was told to not breath, not to move ………. sorry too much information but you get the drift, I would have needed to check as the implant costs a LOT ;D
People are rarely allergic to gold: after all, gold injections are used as pain relief to good effect. I have seen many done when I was a medical secretary. I do know of a patient who was allergic to the stainless steel 'pin' in her leg following a comminuted compound fracture but that was so rare that she was 'shown' at various Conferences in the UK - having the pin removed meant that her healing too much longer as there was nothing to support the healing bone structure. Nor do many people have problems with leaching of mercury from fillings, it is rare.
My meno brain or yours ;D - 'spaniel ear' and tinnitus have been companions for many years and are totally un-related to any surgical intervention I have had from the neck upwards ;). I have allergic rhinitis since 1976 hence the itching deep in the ear drum and tinnitus is associated with allergy problems.
Let me know how you get on. If the titanium was causing a problem it is more likely that it would be long before you had the final 3 implants; the body reacts far faster to a foreign body which is why this procedure takes months rather than days/weeks. Certainly if your next Appts. show that there has been leaching I will be interested as I would discuss with my Surgeon before having the next one inserted!
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I will let you know how I get on, thank you so much for your comments.
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I thought about you a lot this evening ::) ………. how's your day been, generally?
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Lots of people react to nickel …… how are you today?
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Not great really. Brain fog, bodily inflammation, raging tinnitus, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, inability to make decisions forgetfullness, all sorts
Tbh I wouldn't have posted if you hadn't asked as I don't like to write stuff that is so negative.
I've got myself in a right state about having this titanium in my jaw and I can't tell if it's a real fear of psychosomatic.
I now realise that I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 12 years ago which is the same time as I had my first implant put in, co-incidence or not ? Who knows. Over the years my symptoms have been so bad I have asked to be tested for Rhumatoid arthritis a few times as I couldn't believe IT was just (that's a laugh ) Fibro.
I have spoken to a couple of dentists and whilst they don't believe people can be allergic to titanium per say there is now a kind of recognised hypersensitivity to having multipule metals in the mouth, that only affects a few people my dentist has someone with 18 implants and he is fine apparently.
They have kind of agreed to take them out which would mean a denture, but that would be a lot better than ending up with some auto immune problem. Dentist said having a denture winks affect my quality of life, I pointed out that I haven't got any with this.
I am also worried that if my immune system is fighting all these metals then at some point I might end up with an auto immune condition as it will be under such stress.
I had them take of the bridge and use a temporary and this means my saliva is more in contact with the metals and my symptoms have gone through the roof and my mouth is in discomfort.
huge patches of what seems like inflammation over my body, massive anxiety, metallic taste in mouth, soared throat etc
I do wonder if I am suffering from some kind of metal toxicity problem which is scary. Both now and the thought that I may have had this all the time but just put my symptoms down to something else.
Last year when the final three went in I had huge swathes of pain round my hip area and I just though my Fibro was playing up bug it was the worst if had ever been. I also had the most dreadful urine infection and I hadn't had one for 30 years.
Please God, whoever you are, let me not be suffering from metal poisoning,.
I'm pretty scared tbh as if I leave them in its a risk and if I take them out its traumatic and my mouth and sinuses, not that they are great anyway, will never be the same again.
I'm part of a small support group that has similar problems that also includes those tang have metal in their backs, neck plates etc often more than one metal is involved in their cases. It helps a bit.
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A blood test should show if there is inflammation in the body. ESR ? ………
Have you an appt. at the Hospital yet?
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Eek had mine today ( posted in How are you....). Just the one. Didn't ask about the metal....
Hurdity x
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I've had no problems, neither has DH ;) - the important thing is to keep the socket area really clean, my Dentist advised those Tee-pe small brushes to get between each gap and clean thoroughly. This avoids any chance of infection.
Your Dentist should have given you a printed off treatment plan prior to your agreeing to the procedure which would have told you that ABs would be required, this should have been discussed anyway to check for allergies i.e. Penicillin - as well as exactly what the procedure will entail and excepted treatment time. The implant is a foreign body drilled into the jaw bone hence the requirement for it to heal before the 'tooth' is put on. Saves time and expense should the bone reject the implant.
The bit I hated was biting down on the Plastecine to take the mould of the tooth shape. Also the implant was unscrewed and the socket checked before the tooth was put on. I got quite blasé :D
The reason I had mine done is because the jaw requires teeth in order to maintain health: similar to brisk walking helps osteoporosis: otherwise the gum retreats which loosens other teeth. I didn't want a plate nor bridges because my teeth in general are so un-even. Hence the 3 implants. DH has 2 for the same reasons.
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Dreadful situation for you to be in.
I can only wish you the very best and hope you keep in touch and let us know how things go.
Honeyb
X
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Has anybody heard any anecdotal evidence of people becoming allergic to the titanium
Nemesis - Dental work isn't good at the best of times and implants sound to be particularly wearing.
On a positive note, titanium is a stable, non reactive, metal.
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:thankyou: Limpy
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You're Welcome CLKD :)
OH is a source of useful information - mostly.
Properties of metals & other physical things - yes.
What shirts go with what trousers - er - no.............
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:rofl:
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I have just had my first I,plant - OH had one several years ago and he also has a hip replacement. He was incredibly brave for both and has had no problems.
I agree with CLK D about the ABs. I am thinking of going back on them myself if I can't get a grip on my anxiety. I am amazed at the effects of anxiety. It has wrecked my stomach and bladder and has got to the point where if I read about a symptom, I have it for real within minutes.
Age isn't much fun at the moment!
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I agree with CLK D about the ABs. I am thinking of going back on them myself if I can't get a grip on my anxiety. I am amazed at the effects of anxiety.
ABs or ADs?
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Silly me! Obviously the ADs!!
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Easily done.
Well, it is for me ::)
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Did you get a result about your concerns?
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:-\ ……….. was there a foundation for your worry?