Excessive Saliva Production After Dental Implants: Causes and Solutions

Excessive salivation?

Hello, doctor.
My mother had dental implants (the first and second molars on the lower left), and since then, there has been continuous saliva secretion near the implants.
Even after the dental crowns were removed, she continued to drool, even while sleeping.
This has been going on for over two years and has been very distressing for her.
She was referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who said it was normal.
Since my mother has been taking sleeping pills for a long time and has anxiety, she consulted a psychiatrist who suggested that it might be due to the medication or psychological factors.
However, this has severely impacted her quality of life, and we cannot find the cause.
What could this issue be? Which specialist should we consult? Thank you, doctor, for your assistance.

Kailuo, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/04

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology

It may be necessary to perform a salivary gland examination.
Generally, the salivary glands are not this superficial, but if possible, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist at a medical center.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/05/04

More Info

Excessive saliva production, or sialorrhea, following dental implants can be a distressing condition, particularly when it persists for an extended period, as in your mother's case. Understanding the potential causes and exploring solutions is essential for improving her quality of life.

Possible Causes of Excessive Saliva Production
1. Surgical Trauma: The placement of dental implants involves surgical intervention, which can temporarily affect the surrounding tissues, including salivary glands. Post-operative inflammation or irritation can lead to increased saliva production as the body responds to the surgical trauma.

2. Nerve Stimulation: The surgical procedure may inadvertently stimulate the nerves that control salivation. If the nerves are affected, it could lead to an overproduction of saliva.

3. Medications: As you mentioned, your mother is taking sedatives for anxiety. Certain medications, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, can alter salivary gland function. For example, some antidepressants and anxiolytics can lead to either dry mouth or excessive salivation as side effects.

4. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can also play a significant role in salivary production. The psychological state can influence bodily functions, including saliva secretion. If your mother is experiencing anxiety related to her dental health or other life stressors, this could exacerbate the issue.

5. Oral Health Changes: After dental implants, there may be changes in oral health that could lead to increased saliva production. For instance, if there is an infection or inflammation around the implant site, the body may produce more saliva as a response.

6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Sometimes, excessive salivation can be related to GERD, where stomach acid irritates the esophagus and leads to increased salivation as a protective mechanism.

Recommended Solutions
1. Consultation with a Specialist: Given the complexity of your mother's symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a dentist specializing in implantology. They can assess whether the implants are functioning correctly and if there are any underlying issues related to the surgical site.

2. Evaluation by a Salivary Gland Specialist: An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or a maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate the salivary glands to determine if there is any dysfunction or blockage contributing to the excessive saliva production.

3. Medication Review: A thorough review of her current medications with her prescribing physician is crucial. If the medications are contributing to the problem, the doctor may consider adjusting the dosage or switching to alternatives that have a lesser impact on salivation.

4. Behavioral Therapy: If anxiety is a significant factor, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of psychological support may help manage her anxiety and, consequently, her salivary production.

5. Hydration and Oral Care: Encouraging your mother to stay well-hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene can help manage the symptoms. Sometimes, using mouth rinses designed for dry mouth can help balance saliva production.

6. Saliva-Reducing Medications: In some cases, medications that reduce saliva production may be prescribed. These should only be considered after a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion
Excessive saliva production after dental implants can stem from various causes, including surgical trauma, nerve stimulation, medication effects, psychological factors, and oral health changes. A multidisciplinary approach involving dental specialists, ENT doctors, and mental health professionals may be necessary to identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan. It’s essential to address this issue comprehensively, as it significantly impacts your mother’s quality of life.

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