HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Metallic Taste In Mouth Post Tooth Extraction?

default
Posted on Wed, 25 Mar 2015
Question: I had a tooth extraction and titanium post implant at the same time about 4 weeks ago. Ever since, I have had either a metal taste or a salty taste in my mouth. I was treated for a sinus infection a week or so prior to the extraction/implant. I saw an ENT yesterday, he saw no sinus perforation or thrush. I don't know if a combination of these factors is causing this taste disorder, or if I am reacting to the titanium post. I have had other dental work and a crown with no problems. Oral surgeon sees no issues. He is going to take another panoramic x-ray on Monday. i don't want to remove the implant, but cannot go on like this indefinitely. How long should I give this? I am trying solutions for "burning mouth Syndrome"
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
i need some info

Detailed Answer:
hi,

Welcome to Health Care Magic,

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your message and will try to help you in best possible way.

I would like you to give me some more info in this regard.

Here i will ask you some questions to guide our conversation


1) What meds are you taking?

2) Do you have any medical issues other than this?

3) Is there any stomach problems you have?

4) Is there any pain at the place of implant?

5) How often taste change happens?

6) Does site if implant have any swelling?

I am waiting for your input.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

Resident MD.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (2 hours later)
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

I am taking no meds right now other than the same vitamins I always take. (multivitamins, calcium, fish oil, etc) I have no other medical issues. No stomach issues. Absolutely no pain at all with the implant. I have not had a normal taste in my mouth since the surgery. The first week it was a bloody taste, which I expected. It has been a metallic taste, it gets saltier in the early evening, then a dull taste. No swelling. The oral surgeon doesn't understand the problem.He thought perhaps I am tasting the amalgam next to the open spot, now that it is exposed. My DDS doubts this. She also doubts its burning mouth syndrome. My mouth is not burning, but has the bad taste. I didn't know if having the sinus infection, then the extraction/implant one right after the other caused this. I did have 9 teeth pulled at one time prior to braces at age 12, and had no such problem. I know its rare to have a reaction to the titanium implant, but know there are other alloys involved, and people do have allergic reactions. There is a metal test called Melisa, I have looked into. I am starting to lose my appetite. I don't drink or smoke. I love to drink tea, and it tastes so bad now, I am drinking only water and milk. I thought about seeing an Oral Pathologist. My Oral surgeon has been in business for years, and has never seen this? Can you have a DDS look at this case also? At this point, I'm ready to remove the implant. Its going on 5 weeks. I will lose $1,000 and have no tooth, and I'm in sales. Its an upper tooth behind the eye tooth... Losing my sanity! Thank you, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You have to consider every option

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back,

I am sorry to know about this, I will try to come up with as comprehensive an answer as i can come up with.

POSSIBILITIES:


1)Burning mouth syndrome:

This syndrome is a broad term referring to unexplained burning, bad taste pain etc in mouth and as this is unexplained, so no particular treatment is there. In majority of cases it happens after metallic implant some say metals disturb electrical balance in taste buds so this happens. Many dentists in this case advocate removing metallic implant and considering non-metallic options but many on the other hand aren't in it's favor.

Burning mouth syndrome is a complex disorder that can result in a variety of clinical symptoms, including a burning,pain,tingling,or a persistent metallic taste in the mouth. Reference: Suarez P, XXXXXXX GT. Burning mouth syndrome: an update on diagnosis and treatment methods. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2006 Aug;34(8):611-622


2) It can be direct respond to titanium implant and believe be you are not the first one to have a bad taste after titanium implant, internet blogs and forums are full of such complains and discussions.

Some people get relief within 3-4 months others don't get any relief even after 4-5 years. Science hasn't yet found any confirmed mechanism of why this happens.


What can be done:

1) You can wait for a couple of months more..

2) You can discuss with your dentist about a non metallic option .

3) You can undergo tests and x-rays again and see what your doctor suggests.

I would like you to read blogs and forums and prepare questions for your doctors so that you can reach a decision, you can keep different options in mind. And removing the implant is going to be the last one among them but still you might have to discuss it with your doctor.

Can your case be discussed with a DDS?
Yes mam you can put a detailed query on our "Ask a specialist" panel and mention speciality as dentist, some one must be there to help you as much as he can

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

Resident M.D.
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Ahmad

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1308 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Metallic Taste In Mouth Post Tooth Extraction?

Brief Answer: i need some info Detailed Answer: hi, Welcome to Health Care Magic, I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your message and will try to help you in best possible way. I would like you to give me some more info in this regard. Here i will ask you some questions to guide our conversation 1) What meds are you taking? 2) Do you have any medical issues other than this? 3) Is there any stomach problems you have? 4) Is there any pain at the place of implant? 5) How often taste change happens? 6) Does site if implant have any swelling? I am waiting for your input. Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. Resident MD.