Denosumab and root canal treatment

Living with secondary breast cancer Treatments and medical issues
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Hi has anyone  been on denosumab and needed a root canal doing?Did you have to come off it before /after the dental treatment?my6 month check up didn’t go as I had hoped(being a terrified dental patient !).Dreading having to have it done especially as I was advised to go privately so fear cost will be very high.thanks Didi 

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Hi didi62

You may find it helpful to speak with one of our clinical specialists on the free Helpline, 0808 800 6000.

Alternatively you can post a question on the Ask Our Nurse area of the Forum, were our experts can respond to you online.

Best wishes
Anna
Digital Community Officer

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Hello didi62,

I am assuming you are asking because of the (low) risk of Osteonecrosis in the jaw with invasive dental treatment.

I hope someone comes along soon who is on the same drug as you and can give better advice.  I am also receiving bishphosphonate treatment as a primary cancer adjuvant treatment and not as a treatment for secondary cancer.

In the meantime, for what it’s worth, I am on bishphosphonate (Zometa) infusion every 6 months. Prior to starting, I had dental check as advised and all ok. 4 months later, I experienced my first abcess.

The NHS dentist I use said tooth could be saved with root canal treatment. He knew about the drug and the risk, and was confident everything would be fine. I put my faith in him, and just about 1 year later, all still ok at the moment. I did not need to change my treatment plan and have just had my third 6 monthly infusion.

My understanding is that the risk rate nay vary with dosage of denosumab. For example, it is classed as a common side effect at dose 120mg but rare at dose 60mg.

 

I would discuss with dentist and give Oncology a call to get their advice.

Best wishes,

Chick. ? X

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I have just registered on this site, and can’t believe the first post I read was about Denosumab and root canal treatment, I broke a tooth on Sunday, right down to the root, spoke to my Onclogist on Tuesday and she advised that if I have to have the rest of the tooth out I would have to stop Denosumab for 4 weeks (I have an injection every 4 weeks), then the dentist would make an appointment at the dental hospital!!! Saw the Dentist  yesterday, she said that it could be repaired with a crown, as they would not want to do invasive treatment, in the meantime I have a temporary filling in. So don’t have to stop Denosumab, Dentist are very aware of Cancer treatments!! Hope that helps