Dental procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions and fillings are common, but some individuals experience unexpected complications, including hearing loss, dizziness, and tooth pain years later. These side effects, while rare, highlight the importance of post-surgical monitoring and proper dental care.
Hearing Loss After Tooth Extraction
Some individuals have reported hearing loss following a dental procedure, particularly wisdom tooth removal. The possible cause is the release of microemboli (tiny blood clots) into the bloodstream, which can reduce blood supply to the inner ear (cochlea), leading to temporary or permanent hearing impairment.
Case Study: Hearing Loss After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
An 18-year-old female had all four wisdom teeth extracted.
- After surgery, she experienced swelling (edema) and hearing loss.
- Before surgery, her hearing tests were normal.
- After the extractions, she continued to experience hearing issues over the next 19 months.
- While her low-frequency hearing returned, she suffered from mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (~2000 Hz), which caused functional impairments that were subtle but significant.
- The exact cause of her hearing loss was unknown, and it was classified as bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
This case suggests that wisdom tooth extraction may contribute to hearing changes, but the mechanism behind it remains unclear.
Dizziness and Vertigo After Wisdom Tooth Removal (BPPV)
Some patients develop Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) after wisdom tooth extractions. This condition is linked to small calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) that become dislodged and move to incorrect positions in the inner ear, affecting balance.
Causes of BPPV After Tooth Extraction
- Head hyperextension during surgery.
- Rotary instruments, drills, and surgical hammers creating vibrations that affect the inner ear.
- Damage to inner ear structures due to surgical trauma.
Case Study: Dizziness After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A 28-year-old woman had four impacted wisdom teeth removed under general anesthesia.
- After regaining consciousness, she experienced severe dizziness and nausea whenever she turned her head to the left.
- She underwent Semont’s liberatory maneuver, a treatment used to reposition the dislodged crystals in the inner ear.
- Other patients have reported persistent dizziness and balance issues for years after surgery.
These cases suggest that vibrations from dental tools may disrupt inner ear function, leading to long-term balance issues in some individuals.
Pain in a Tooth with a Filling Years Later
Patients sometimes experience pain in a tooth with a filling years after the procedure. While fillings are meant to restore and protect teeth, several underlying issues can cause delayed discomfort.
Possible Causes of Pain After a Filling
- Tooth Decay Under the Filling
- Over time, bacteria can seep under the filling, causing new decay and pain.
- This often requires a replacement filling or a root canal.
- Cracked or Worn-Out Filling
- Fillings weaken over time due to chewing pressure.
- A cracked filling can expose the tooth’s nerves, leading to pain or sensitivity.
- Nerve Damage (Pulpitis)
- Deep fillings can sometimes irritate the tooth’s nerve, leading to inflammation (pulpitis).
- Pulpitis may heal, but in severe cases, it can cause permanent nerve damage, requiring a root canal.
- Bite Misalignment (High Filling)
- If a filling is too high, it can affect the bite, causing pain when chewing.
- A dentist can adjust the filling to relieve discomfort.
- Receding Gums and Exposed Tooth Roots
- If gums recede, the tooth’s roots become exposed, leading to pain near the gum line.
- Desensitizing toothpaste or dental bonding can help manage discomfort.
Treatment Options for Pain After a Filling
- X-rays to check for new decay or nerve issues.
- Replacing the filling if it is damaged.
- Root canal therapy if the nerve is damaged.
- Bite adjustment if the filling is too high.
- Fluoride treatments or desensitizing toothpaste for sensitivity.
Conclusion
While dental procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions and fillings are routine, they can occasionally result in unexpected side effects such as:
- Hearing loss due to microemboli affecting blood flow to the cochlea.
- Dizziness and vertigo (BPPV) caused by inner ear disruptions from dental tool vibrations.
- Pain in a filled tooth years later due to decay, nerve issues, or a worn-out filling.
Key Takeaways:
- Hearing loss after a tooth extraction is rare but may be linked to circulatory changes in the inner ear.
- Dizziness and vertigo can occur after dental procedures, likely due to inner ear disruptions.
- Tooth pain years after a filling is often caused by new decay, nerve irritation, or bite misalignment.
- Regular dental check-ups can help detect and address long-term complications early.
If you experience hearing loss, dizziness, or persistent tooth pain after a dental procedure, consult a dentist or medical professional to explore treatment options.
