I need some help. My husband has been getting dental implants. Right now he’s go the implants in. His temporary teeth are in and we’re waiting for his permanent teeth. There is the most horrible smell coming from them. It is so bad that I can’t even get close enough to kiss him. I think it is because he has those metal implants and I’d like to switch them, but his dentist said that is not a good idea. He is not taking the smell seriously. The implants are titanium and the temp teeth are acrylic while he waits for the permanent ones. I want to take the titanium out and replace them with something less metal and toxic.
Donna
Dear Donna,
I do not thing your husband’s implants would be the issue. First, the titanium root form of his dental implants are placed deep into his bone. It would be amazing if you could smell it. Even if they were out of his body, titanium is so inert, I doubt you could smell it. One thing to note is that a foul smell is generally a sign that there is an infection. Though, there would be other indicators of that, such as a fever or pain. His implant dentist would be keeping a close eye on that possibility.
It is more likely to be something with the acrylic for his temporary denture or even some bacteria getting caught under the temporary teeth. I would speak to the dentist about adjusting the hygiene care on this. Getting a water pick may help get everything out from under there.
Removing your husband’s dental implants is not as easy as just removing one type of implant and putting in another. It would require several surgeries. The root form of the implants are integrated into the bone. You’d have to take them out of the bone, which would leave gaping holes. Then, those would have to be filled with a bone grafting procedure. After that is healed, then he would have to do yet another surgery to get the new implants.
My suggestion is work on the oral hygiene aspect, with some extra help and wait out the acrylic until the porcelain is ready to be placed. You should see a big difference then.
This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.
